"Man to Send Rain Clouds": A Compormise in Cultural Identity - exhibits how the loss of culture can happen in society.
Culture instills a significant role in family life. Family traditions are often passed down from one generation to the next, and usually produce added complexity from outside influence over time. The original identity of the belief continues to be apparent, although more ideas have been added to the basic cultural belief. In Leslie Silko's short story, "The Man to send Rain Clouds", this predicament arises. Although a constant influence of Catholic beliefs are apparent in the Pueblo people's society, Leon and his family still display their Native American identity through their actions present throughout the story.
Silko explains that her people "were well informed about [culture]," and that "old traditions were dying out" (Silko, "Language" 772). The local Catholic Church's minister, Father Paul, attempts to incorporate the Church's teaching into the Laguna's way of life. He shows great concern for Leon and his family "miss[ing] [Mass] last Sunday," (Silko, "Man" 50), and requests the family to attend the following weekend. Father Paul successfully influences Leon's sister, Louise. When she finds out about her grandfather's death, she suggests incorporating the ritual of pouring holy water on his gravesite "so he won't be thirsty" (Silko, "Man" 50).
Although Catholic interference tries to influence the Native Pueblo culture, Leon constantly attempts to retain his Native identity. When Leon and Ken discover their Grandfather dead in the arroyo, they immediately perform the Native Pueblo customs. The customs included the painting of their grandfather's face, tying a feather to his hair, wrapping him in a red blanket, and tossing cornmeal into the wind. By performing these rituals, they "[keep] the family ... and clan together" (Silko, "Language" 766), showing the great importance they hold upon their cultural beliefs. When transferring grandfather Teofilo back into town, Leon and Ken deceivingly tell Father Paul that "[Teofilo] won't [be herding sheep] any more
Silko explains that her people "were well informed about [culture]," and that "old traditions were dying out" (Silko, "Language" 772). The local Catholic Church's minister, Father Paul, attempts to incorporate the Church's teaching into the Laguna's way of life. He shows great concern for Leon and his family "miss[ing] [Mass] last Sunday," (Silko, "Man" 50), and requests the family to attend the following weekend. Father Paul successfully influences Leon's sister, Louise. When she finds out about her grandfather's death, she suggests incorporating the ritual of pouring holy water on his gravesite "so he won't be thirsty" (Silko, "Man" 50).
Although Catholic interference tries to influence the Native Pueblo culture, Leon constantly attempts to retain his Native identity. When Leon and Ken discover their Grandfather dead in the arroyo, they immediately perform the Native Pueblo customs. The customs included the painting of their grandfather's face, tying a feather to his hair, wrapping him in a red blanket, and tossing cornmeal into the wind. By performing these rituals, they "[keep] the family ... and clan together" (Silko, "Language" 766), showing the great importance they hold upon their cultural beliefs. When transferring grandfather Teofilo back into town, Leon and Ken deceivingly tell Father Paul that "[Teofilo] won't [be herding sheep] any more