Search for Self in Blue Winds Dancing

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Search for Self in Blue Winds Dancing

Blue Winds Dancing by author Tom Whitecloud, is narrated by the story's unnamed main character. The young Indian man's persona is brought to life through his own recollection and spoken words. We recognize the turmoil this character faces as he is away from "his people," attending college in White man's society. He doubts his place in either world, believes he must choose between them, and realizes finally that being an Indian is only one part of who he is. Through his thoughts, actions and words we gain understanding of this character's attitudes of confusion and inferiority in his struggle to define his niche in society.

The character's feelings of not belonging are represented in his own words, "We just don't seem to fit in anywhere - certainly not among the whites, and not among the older people"(121). Later in the story, as he stands outside the lodge door, he questions if his friends and neighbors will remember him. "Am I Indian, or am I white?"(122). He does not know if living with the whites will cause his people to catego...

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