Q. How successfully is the theme of a changing society presented to us in the novel?
             In the lead up to the twentieth century there is a great change in society. Not only in the Western World, but also in remote villages and communities. This is reflected positively in I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. The Indians now require more and more of the white man. They must seek permits to bury their dead and are schooled and follow fashions of the white man.
             The novel begins with the evidence of a changing society when the Bishop says, "I shall send him to my hardest Parish". The Indians have developed European religion into their culture. Shortly after Mark Brian's arrival in the village he is required to summon the RCMP Officer to grant a Burial Permit to bury one of the children in the tribe. The Officer is very hasty and down-to-earth. Thus showing he has better things to do.
             Keetah is a good example of changing society. Indicated in her clothes: denim jeans and a jacket. She too, like the other children leaves the village and is schooled in Alert Bay. "Three days before Christmas the teenagers were brought from Alert Bay".
             The outside world has a ever-growing impact on village life as "The government forbids the great pot-latches". "The white man takes them, damages them..., once he leaves the village he will not return". The Indians make good use of outboard motors, and the hospital ship, while visitors now come by seaplane to the float.
             The Indians have very valuable possessions such as hand carved dancing masks worth several thousand dollars. Gordon's uncle foolishly sells one of these for $50 while he is drunk. "The village will die as the white man comes".
             The most important advice given in the novel; prominent in keeping cultures alive is adaption. The novel reflects the theme of a changing society very well. "The only way for the tribe/cu...