Summary Of From The Deep Woods To Civilization By Charles Alexander Eastman

Charles Alexander Eastman utilizes his novels to inform society about Native American history. His work analysis’s the lives of Natives tribes and provides his readers with personal memoirs. This autobiography implements detailed accounts of communication among the Native Indians and the American Government. Chapter VII is set within the 1890’s. It delivers a first-person narrative from a Native Indian standpoint. Eastman writes about life on the reservation, and how religion prompted the extreme violence upon the Sioux population. The pivotal moment in American history which forged the United States. The Ghost Dance War is depicted throughout the novel which connects to the historic investigation of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Eastman literature

Throughout chapter VII from “From the Deep Woods to Civilization” Eastman narrates what treatment the Sioux faced. Through his detailed writing, the reader can envision the harsh reality. Eastman describes the conditions, “Rations had been cut from time to time; the people were insufficiently fed” he continues “Never were there worthless scraps of paper anywhere in the world than many of the Indian Treaties. Sickness was prevalent and the death rate alarming” (Eastman). The author's use of detail gives the reader a clear image. The native tribes were treated as animals, and not equals. They were inadequate and furthermore were defenseless against the American Politician. He describes the historic treaties made between the Natives and American government as inferior. This indicates how protests and rash behavior became a common occurrence upon the reservations. Eastman also associates the treaties with the violation of approximately several State and Federal crimes. A strong cause which contributed to the deadly confrontation. It was like throwing fuel on a

This autobiography further illustrates the trials and tribulations of dealing with his Native Indian identity within white society. On page 96, Eastman describes his encounter with the United States Government, “There is only one thing for us to do and be just on both sides” he continues “If the worst happens, however, it is our solemn duty to serve the United States Government. Let no man ever say that we were disloyal!” (Eastman). This personal statement by the author gives evidence to the struggle between traditionalism and modernism. Eastman identified himself with white culture but he wanted to preserve his native ancestry simultaneously. He tries to maintain good relationships amongst all social groups. Futhermore in “Boy Scouts and Citizenship: Revisiting Charles Eastman’s Deep Woods” Tova Copper critics’ Eastman’s literature. She says, “His transformation from a traditional Sioux warrior and hunter to a student, then an educated doctor, and later a lobbyist of American Indian rights. Presents his incisive challenge to this culture” (Cooper). Her adaptation of his work tries to communicate to readers that the circumstances you are born into do not hinder you from greatness. This research shows the difficulty of being an educated native Indian, amongst the Sioux tribe in 1890. Through his writing, he tries to