Analysis Of James Welch's Fools Crow

Fools Crow, written by award winning author James Welch chronicles the story of White Man’s Dog, who later earns the title Fools Crow due to the scalping of Bull Shield, the reigning chief of the Crow. As a Pikuni Indian who struggles to find his identity and place and society, his character goes through a massive transformation throughout the novel. His decisions and actions shape him into a courageous, brave individual who is revered by his peers at the conclusion of the novel. Consequently, multiple themes in this novel include how the perception of society is determined by ones status, along with the journey into adulthood.
One may surmise a reoccurring motif of vengeance throughout this novel due. The genesis of this vengeance spawns

White Man’s Dog, along with other members of the tribe believe this was a direct result of not fulfilling the Cold Maker’s mission. In this novel, dreams are a catalyst for redemption. This is evident when Fast Horse has another dream to justify his wrongdoings. However, Welch’s humanizing portrayal of the characters in this novel allows the reader to grow with them throughout the novel. In Fast Horse’s case, he becomes self-centered, much like the white man, and leaves his tribe to join a marauding tribe that pillages and plunders. This personifies his standing with his once family, and how he has turned his back on them to pursue individual goals, rather than communal obligation. Other members of the tribe soon follow suit, as Welch describes them as “being drunk on the white man’s water” (Welch 70). As a respected member of the tribe, Fools Crow attempts to aid those who have gone astray within his tribe. As the novel progresses, Fools Crow’s journey into adulthood shifts from self-centered goals of self-identity to a holistic search for his people’s endeavors. John Purdy articulates this thesis in “He was Going Alone.” In an excerpt, he states “Fools Crow 's journeys become progressively mythical in nature" (Purdy, pg. 137). As his character develops through the trials and tribulations that he endures he grows and matures. This allows him to care for his people on a macrocosmic