Sovereignty Sovereignty denotes the ability to have control and make decisions without interference from another entity. Sovereignty in the context of The Exiles is personal sovereignty, the exercising of power over oneself (place of residence, marriage partner, employment etc.). Native Americans had been under the governance of the United States, losing national sovereignty, or authority over the lives of their people. The Exiles, highlight a night in the lives of Evonne and Homer, who met in Los Angeles, married and are now expecting, after choosing (personal sovereignty) to leave their Native American homes and families behind (Schweninger). We get insight into how Evonne feels about her choice through her narration and through her home life. Evonne thought she …show more content…
However, her life with Homer does not make her feel special at all. We see no conversation between them. She cooks for homer and his friends; no one acknowledges her presence. When Homer and his friends go to town, Evonne is dropped off at the movies; she returns by herself and stays with a girlfriend. That is the only time we see her conversing with anyone. Evonne says she would not return to the reservation to raise her child. In fact, she would prefer to raise her child alone; there is not much hope for a future with Homer, who relates that he was not raised on a reservation. It is his intention to return to one after her stays in Los Angeles a few years and “raises hell.” Homer is unemployed and restless. Evonne has dreams of an idyllic home and children. Homer goes out drinking, playing cards with his friends or fighting; his mind does not seem to be on Evonne or their coming child. He reminisces about his parents, after receiving a letter from home. His home and family are located in a rural area. It is peaceful, unlike the city in which he lives now. The husband and wife are relaxing; the children are playing as opposed to his