Louise Erdrich explores the inner conflicts of an Indian tribe in her novel Tracks. By the end of the novel, the tribe's accord is broken by the lure of the white man's money and land reform. The divisions among the tribe are epitomized by the physical separation of the Chippewa people into different colors that correspond to their different land allotments. However, one scene in particular contrasts with the tribe's tendency towards discord. The scene in which Nanapush and Eli overcome their differences and unite in an attempt to avoid starvation lends hope to the ominous series of events throughout Tracks which show conflict developing from accord. The great snow storm they experience together not only binds them but forces Eli to turn to his Chippewa roots in order to survive.
             At the onset of the sixth day of the storm, Nanapush's house is immersed in emptiness. Physically, the pantry, floursack and snares are empty. The scene is also devoid of any speaking. Indeed, Nanapush opens the scene explaining that "after six days I could not bear to hear any more from Eli" (p.100). The fact that Nanapush does not talk and is unwilling to hear any more from Eli is particularly distressing considering that language is Nanapush's life force. It casts a pall of gloom over the situation and reminds the reader of an earlier situation in which Fleur and Nanapush are dying of small pox. The scene, marked by a notable lack of speech, is meant to represent Nanapush's proximity to death. Here, too, death is very near. However, while starvation is the main threat to Nanapush and Eli, it seems that their situation is a metaphor for a much broader conflict.
             On one level, Eli's starvation reflects the recent friction between him and Fleur. Fleur has been known to severely curse those who upset her and many of her curses take the form of great storms, such as the twister that took the live...