Erdrich’s novel The Round House

Sample Solution

  In Louise Erdrich’s novel, The Round House, the theme of justice and its relation to Native American culture is explored. Through a storyteller lens, Erdrich paints a vivid picture of life on an Ojibwe reservation in North Dakota during the late 1980s.

The narrative follows 13-year-old Joe Coutts as he attempts to seek justice for his mother Geraldine after she is brutally attacked on their reservation. While the tribal court system lacks the ability to bring her attacker to justice due to jurisdictional issues, Joe's quest leads him on a spiritual journey that ultimately changes his life forever. Erdrich portrays how Native Americans have been historically excluded from many aspects of society, including access to justice and equal legal rights under US law. This exclusion is seen clearly in the novel as Joe's father moans about “the helplessness Indians feel when it comes to getting any kind of justice." This sense of hopelessness stems from centuries of discrimination against indigenous peoples by white colonialists who refused them basic human rights or even full citizenship status in their own land. As such, many Native Americans are forced into a cycle of poverty with little hope for upward mobility or access to resources like healthcare and education which could help improve their situation over time. In contrast, whites enjoy privileges such as more economic opportunities and better education systems that can lead them out of poverty if they choose so. The lack of access to justice becomes increasingly apparent throughout the novel as Joe begins his search for answers about what happened to his mother but quickly realizes there is no real recourse available within tribal courts since federal laws do not apply there; instead all disputes must be settled through mediation between families involved using traditional methods such as gifting or returning things taken away wrongfully (such as land). It becomes clear then that while Native Americans are still deeply connected with their traditional ways they often find themselves powerless when attempting to seek redress under US law due largely because they are not afforded the same rights and protections others receive automatically simply based off skin color or heritage alone; this discrepancy results in further injustice which can only be remedied if individuals fight back against oppressive structures that keep them down like those depicted within Erdrich’s narrative arc - something Joe eventually chooses do despite initial doubts regarding whether it would mean anything in terms larger scheme things/society at large.. The poem "I Know Why My Grandmother Sings" by Alice Gloska also showcases how indigenous people have suffered from absence of proper legal protection under US law throughout history; however it does so through different lens than The Round House – one focused more heavily on personal experience rather than systemic oppression faced collectively by Natives across America today.. In this poem we witness narrator describe grandmother singing songs taught her ancestors before being forcibly removed from homes assimilated into white dominated societies without acknowledgement/ recognition from colonizers/those now occupying lands previously theirs– pain illustrated through music which serves purpose both unifying community members providing comforting catharsis amid chaotic situations beyond control... The idea that music can provide solace amidst suffering experienced generations prior appears again another poem found Norton Anthology Nations Poetry titled "Blanket Song" written Simon J Ortiz Acoma Pueblo poet– here sadness seems almost palpable each line reader feels weight words conveying longing loss past connections home world... Blankets mentioned song serve double meaning—not just literal cloth used block wintry chill but also metaphor depicting loneliness narrator surrounded darkness though familial bonds still remain weaving together fragments remaining piece whole once was… Despite inability return homeland physically connection remains strong enough weather passing years wind storms may come reminding reader ties blood run deep no matter where one goes earth itself cannot erase memories heart brings forth images joy sorrow familiar sights sounds tears laughter share generations ago still echoes present day… By exploring themes like injustice lack proper legal redress among native communities two pieces literature Louise Erdrich Alice Gloska respectively readers given chance expand worldview become aware issues faced people belonging certain backgrounds cultures may drastically different experiences compared some privileged groups United States today yet wishing bridge divide create understanding common ground walk upon towards future equality peace.... Both works offer unique perspectives collective problems faced Indigenous Americans educate enlighten general public inspire action change behalf disenfranchised populations world wide thus prompting much needed examination inequities continue exist around us order achieve true lasting global social progress future generations come....