Carol Ashey

ENGL 232
Dr. Theado
April 18, 2013
To Tell A Story
In Leslie Marmon Silkos Yellow Woman, I felt the hot, dry air of the Southwest and
could easily see the arid, desert landscape the details so perfectly described. I could also hear the
voice of the story-teller as they wove the words of the legend of Yellow Woman, and how the
author paralleled the legend with the life of the narrator who refuses to believe that they are the
same.
I found it interesting that in the section about the piece, after re-reading it, was the fact
that Silko made the point that the piece was not about feminism (which I thought it was, at first
read), but about the connection between all life and the confusing feelings of passion and ones
place in life. Looking back on the reading, the storys prominent emotion was passion.
Even though I havent read very much American Indian literature, it has always intrigued
me, partially because of the deep pain endured throughout history, and also because of they way
they were told; they always made me feel like listening to someone speak the story aloud around
a fire. The only other American Indian work I have read prior to these, was called House of
Dawn which was actually a very depressing read, but was realistic.
I did enjoy Harjos poetry, but I could easily see the anger, frustration, and bitterness that
Im sure still lingers with many American Indians. I dont blame them for feeling so, but I think
deep healing and forgiveness is definitely in order.