Four Souls
The title of the novel is Four Souls and Four Souls is one of the names of the main character Fleur. Four Souls is the spirit name of her mother, which she takes on for herself to help her in her intent on revenge. The name itself is symbolic in its spirituality and it represents a powerful woman who fought to survive.
Names
Names have a significant meaning in Native American culture as they represent the individual’s essence and their path in life. Names are given to individuals based on their character; they are not accidental. Aside from their known names, they have spirit names which are sacred and kept secret and represent a link between the body and spirit.
Medicine Dress
Margaret has a vision to create the medicine dress while she is struggling for her life from a trap set by her jealous husband. Its purpose is spiritual healing, and it is created from nature, with no ingredients made by the white man. The main purpose of the dress is revealed at the end, to heal and cleanse Fleur and open her path back home.
Sewing
Upon creating the medicine dress Margaret reveals the importance of the creation, importance of the sewing and the woman’s role in it. She connects sewing to praying, while sewing women are praying, putting their emotions into the work and mending the broken pieces.
