Blue Clouds Dancing

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In the story, “Blue Winds Dancing,” by Tom Whitecloud, the plot is driven by the conflict the narrator faces. This conflict is both internal and external as the narrator searches for his identity and copes with society, respectively. Moreover, the conflict is rooted in the narrator’s opposing views of the two cultures to which he belongs. Therefore, only by a reconciliation of these views will that the narrator finally resolve his conflict. At the beginning of the story, the narrator presents his views about life. He describes the peace that he feels when he is back home in Wisconsin. However, he also mentions how such peace is completely lost in the everyday life of a big city. It is evident that the narrator has been educated and has lived in a big city for a long time, at least long enough to judge the quality of life in such an environment. The narrator expresses dissatisfaction with society, especially “white” society. He bluntly states: “I am tired. I am weary of trying to keep up this bluff of being civilized. Being civilized means trying to do everything you don’t want to, never doing anything you want to.” He makes a clear contrast between white society and Native American society. Clearly, the narrator feels as if he is not fit for white society; after all, he is a Native American. It is this discontent with his present environment and his present place in society that creates the conflict facing the narrator. More simply put, the narrator is in search of an identity. Consequently, the narrator takes a radical decision. In a desperate attempt to find his true identity, the narrator decides to go back to Wisconsin. He is filled with joy as he sees all of the places on the way to Wisconsin. He remembers every town and every stop. Furthermore, he admires the natural beauty that fills the scenery. The narrator’s love of nature and nonconformity with white

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