The Voice
The relationship between Archilde’s father and his family is one that is fractured with an emotional rift between them. His voice lacks any friendliness akin to the detached and isolated life he has chosen for himself:
“His voice was deep and its least variation gave strong emphasis to his words. He handled his voice like a whip.”
The Father
Father Grepilloux is an outsider but has been with Salish people for a long period of time basically becoming a local. He has observed the exploitation of the indigenous culture and works hard to make things right:
“Father Grepilloux worked like a convict sentenced to hard labor, but harder.”
Automobile
This narrative delves into the rapidly modernizing world that is quickly absorbing the traditional way of life. The introduction of automobiles in the regions sees a comparison to the aggressive animals that have long been there:
“As it was his big blue automobile, nickel trimmed, the gaudiest of the machines which had just opened a new age in the valley, roared and threw up dust like an angry bull.”
The Oppression
The novel focuses on the life of the indigenous people on the reservations since the arrival of the settlers. It highlights the inhuman treatment that would have been worse if the natives did not protect themselves:
“That land belonged to us and we had always hunted the buffalo. If we did not fight they would treat like dogs and in a little while they would take the mountains away too.”
Sheriff Quigley
The racial discrimination by the authorities within the reserves creates the conflict in the narrative. For instance, the sheriff represents a person in authority with prejudice while Mr. Parker gives the benefit of doubt regardless of race. The narrator describes the Sheriff’s attitude:
“Whenever he had to bring in an Indian prisoner he acted as if a state of war existed between the two races. He gave no quarter and took no chances.”
