Yellow Woman Short Story Analysis

The story was written to show Silko’s personal life and conflict. The author’s structure of text assists in making her points clear, convincing, and engaging. Frequently switching between past, present, and folklore stories helps develop the plot which leads to the resolution of her personal conflict. These events are effective because she relates past events to ideals of those around her, the “old people” and the “new people”. Her interactions with everyone in the community helps show how the community connects their life to tales of folklore. Silko shows that these connections of folklore and past are connected to her daily life. The author starts off the story with “From the time was a small child, I was aware that I was different” (Page 60) stating that there is a problem and introduces the reader to it. Silko shows how the integration of the White people and Laguna Pueblo people lead to her difference as she’s half White and half Laguna. She spent a majority of her childhood with Grandma A’mooh nearly everyday because they lived next to each other. “”Not you,” he said and motioned for me to step away from my classmates.”(Page 63) is a scenario where Silko is treated as an outcast, different from her friends because she was different. She was ordered to move away from her friends based off her complexion and
Yellow woman is portrayed as a hero who gave herself up for the sake and benefit of the people. She thought not selfishly and was able to bring food to her people and also give birth to two heroes. “The beauty that Yellow Woman possesses is the beauty of her passion, her daring, and her sheer strength to act when catastrophe is imminent.” (Page 70) allows Silko to compare herself to Yellow Woman, often believing that Yellow Woman may look just like herself. “I learned to be comfortable with my differences.” (Page 71) shows Silko how she was able to overcome her personal