Text King, Thomas. The Truth about Stories: A Native Narrative. 3rd ed.

, University
of Minnesota Press, 2008.

Quote
Less than 4-5 “One of the surprising things about Indians is that wer’re still here. After some
sentences. five hundred years of vigorous encouragement to assimilate and disappear,
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we’re still here.” (King 128)
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Eg. (King 23)

Reactions /
Commentary This last chapter was, by far, the most impactful one in the entire book. Of
In less than 200 course, that is expected for the final chapter, but King did it well enough to not
words, write a just summarize every point but connect them into one final idea. I believe that
response to your
chosen quote.
this quote is what the book is truly about. The story itself tells lessons from
many different themes; culture, religion, history, etc. But at it’s heart, this is a
1) What stands out book about the Native perspective.
and why?
2) What questions King took us through a journey of stories both from old myths, to historical
does this passage
produce for you?
events, and to his own experiences as a Native American. But this quote speaks
3) What connections about every single one of those topics. It is the past, the present, and perhaps, in
do you make? spirt, the future. He speaks of Native Americans as a whole, and says, “we’re stil
here”. Through out everything. Through every horrible event to every happy
memory, they stayed alive.

As did their stories. Within this quote I see the true theme of this book; Native
stories. As long as Indians are alive, so are their stories. Now people may twist
or alter the ending or fill it with new characters, but it’s alive. Take it. It’s yours.

You’ve heard it now.

Concept
Connection Creativity: Now I could have chosen representation or perspective for such a
In 2-4 sentences, make masterfully written quote, but I think the true genius of it are the connections
a connection to a core so brilliantly woven inside. King is an artist with his words. He was able to
concept
bring together dozens of themes, concepts, and, of course, stories. His
organized pattern brings the book to life, and his connections leave the readers
with more than a sense of accomplishment for finishing a book, it leaves them
thinking.

Lingering
Questions 1. If the truth about stories is that is all we are, then is that the reason
Record 1-2 unresolved Native stories have been pushed down and away for so many
questions you have generations? Were their stories were silenced to make the people
disappear?