Black Elk Speaks

Published in 1932, the novel Black Elk Speaks is the life story of a holy man of the Oglala Sioux, as told through John Neihardt. In a long series of discussions between the two men, Black Elk imparted his own story and the story of the Oglala Sioux during the tragic decades of the Custer battle, the ghost dance, and the Wounded Knee massacre.

The central theme of Black Elk Speaks can be found on the first page of the book. The statement, “ These things I shall remember by the way, and often they seem to be the very tale itself, as when I was living them in happiness and sorrow,” made by Black Elk is the heart of the story. Black Elk presents the tale of his life in this historical narrative. He tells us about the challenges, heartache, and despair that he and his people endured as the white man and his capitalistic society overtook their own. Frolicking youth and aging wise men alike play a part in Black Elk’s personal journey of growth and maturity. Black Elk does not lose sight of this goal. His mind does not occupy itself in the present; rather, it is caught up in the fight for his future. Even though the Wasichus came and reigned terror that might have consumed his life, he always kept the bigger picture in mind. Black Elk

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It was the power from the out world, and the visions and ceremonies had only made me like a hole through which the power could come to the two-leggeds. ”

Describes Black Elk’s trip to Europe, during which he and his friends were paraded around before the public like beasts in a circus. They would take everything from each other if they could, and so there were some who had more of everything than they could use, while crowds of people had nothing at all and maybe were starving.

An important aspect of the novel is its impact on particular groups of people. Holy man as healer of individuals and social groups- medicine man and social visionary are one sacred vocation. The reach for the supernatural is obvious in Black Elk’s in-depth discussion of the religious origins of one of the common items in his society-- the peace pipe. knew that true happiness did not lie in this world for him, but in the life beyond. ”

The Star: an ancient symbol of hope, guidance, completion, rebirth, a light in the darkness, a higher being. Instead he focuses on the “very tale itself,” which is a universal. However, collectively in our culture, I believe that there is too little emphasis placed on the preservation of nature.

Keywords for Imperative Themes- (Thoughts and ideas that can be used as additional themes of Black Elk Speaks). A Holy man’s failure to use the power of his vision to make the nation and world a better place- “And I, to whom so great a vision was given in my youth, -- you see me now a pitiful old man who has done nothing, for the nation’s loop is broken and scattered. ” And all the people raised their faces to the east, and the star’s light fell upon them, and all the dogs barked loudly and the horses whinnied.

Approximate Word count = 1245
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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