Apache Girl And Medicine Bag Compare And Contrast
Native American literature is a rich source of cultural knowledge and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America. Two such literary pieces are the Apache Girl and Medicine Bag. Both these stories are written from a Native American perspective and highlight the cultural values and beliefs of the Apache and Lakota tribes, respectively. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two stories to understand their similarities and differences.
Plot Summary
The Apache Girl is a story about a young Apache girl who is kidnapped by a rival tribe. She is brave and resourceful and manages to escape the captivity of the rival tribe. In the end, she returns to her own tribe with valuable information about the enemy's plan, which helps her tribe prepare for the impending attack.
On the other hand, Medicine Bag is a story about a young Lakota boy who is given a medicine bag by his grandfather. The medicine bag has been passed down from generation to generation and is believed to have special powers. The boy is tasked with the responsibility of taking care of the medicine bag and using it in times of need.
Themes
The Apache Girl and Medicine Bag have several common themes, such as bravery, resourcefulness, and the importance of family and tradition. Both stories highlight the courage and determination of the protagonists in facing adversity and overcoming challenges.
However, the stories also differ in their emphasis on certain themes. The Apache Girl focuses more on the importance of information and knowledge in warfare, while Medicine Bag emphasizes the significance of cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs.
Symbolism
Both stories contain rich symbolism that reflects the cultural beliefs and practices of the Apache and Lakota tribes. In Apache Girl, the protagonist's escape from captivity symbolizes the resilience and resourcefulness of the Apache people in the face of adversity. The information she brings back to her tribe also symbolizes the importance of knowledge and intelligence in warfare.
In Medicine Bag, the titular object symbolizes the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Lakota people. It also represents the responsibility and duty of the boy to carry on the traditions and beliefs of his ancestors.
Cultural Context
The Apache Girl and Medicine Bag are both rooted in the cultural context of their respective tribes. The Apache and Lakota people have different beliefs, practices, and lifestyles, which are reflected in the stories.
For example, the Apache people were known for their warfare skills and tactics, which is why warfare is a prominent theme in Apache Girl. The Lakota people, on the other hand, valued spiritual beliefs and practices, which is why Medicine Bag emphasizes the significance of the medicine bag as a cultural artifact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apache Girl and Medicine Bag are two literary pieces that offer insights into the cultural beliefs and traditions of the Apache and Lakota tribes. Both stories share common themes of bravery and resourcefulness but differ in their emphasis on certain themes and symbolism. By comparing and contrasting these two stories, we can gain a better understanding of the diverse cultural heritage of the Native American people.