"Lullaby" is a story whose themes can be interpreted in many different ways. ... Her son, Jimmie, died while serving in the United States military, and his death greatly upset her. ... The white people eventually began to fear Ayah and the Native Americans. ... Ayah was a symbol of the Native American people for several reasons. ... At first Ayah, like the Native Americans, was afraid of the white people. ...
The author uses a unique style in order to draw out the themes of degradation and restoration. ... This idea occurs within Kumalo's family and his brother, sister, and son all choose to move. ... Ironically, the death of his son brings him to feel compassion for the native people. He changes his heart and instead of avenging his son's death, he chooses to help the natives. ... Even though Jarvis lost his son, he understands that "kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering." ...
However, his theme is not one of searching for the "American Dream." His theme addresses what happens when the "American Dream" lands on you. Sherman Alexie is Native American, and his stories expose one of America's dirty little secrets. ... I have wracked my brain to come up with an overall theme for this piece of literature. ... And it is this: The sons in this book really love and hate their fathers" (Alexie, p xxii)....
The tale foreshadows Tayo's story of damnation from his Native American roots by his family and himself. ... Tayo's Auntie has always treated him differently to her own son Rocky, as a consequence of his mixed blood. ... In Animal Dreams the theme of the individual versus the community is reflected in the isolation of both Codi and Doc Homer from their community, which is seen through the women, especially Doña Althea. ... Native American mythology is an integral aspect of Ceremony and it also plays a significant role in Animal Dreams. ... It is through Codi's love interes...
