Life-Size Indian by Beth Piatote

What is the value of one’s culture? Native culture is an integral part in a person’s life. A person consists of many different characteristics, such as personality and appearance; however, what makes a person more unique would be his own culture. Native culture is what a person grew up with and identifies him as, thus losing or forgetting it would mean losing himself. Although it is important to remain with one’s culture, many people end up losing it. This is the consequence of living in America, where people with diverse cultures exist. Often times, diverse cultures feel the need to adapt to the more mainstream culture. Because of this, many people tend to forget their own native culture in attempt to assimilate to a different one. Similarly, Beth Piatote illustrates this idea of western assimilation through her short story, “Life-Size Indian.” Throughout the story, Piatote describes how Nathaniel felt necessary to assimilate to another culture, but eventually, the realization of his native culture results in a greater value. Piatote also includes many characters in her story. One of them is Bean, who is a direct contrast of Nathaniel. Nathaniel also meets Jen, who tells him a story of a life-size Indian that pushes Nathaniel to embrace his native culture. Lastly, Mel is use to symbolize the Native American culture. Piatote uses Bean, Jen, and Mel to help Nathaniel on his journey in deciding what his identity is. Nathaniel has always been indecisive, but through the experiences of these four characters, he finally realizes what it means to be Native American, and that his own judgment results to be very important.

Throughout the story, Piatote uses several vivid descriptions to show the indecisive personality of Nathaniel. “Na...

... middle of paper ...

...le in guiding the reader through the experiences illustrated by Piatote. It allows the reader to grasp a very distinctive picture of the situation, and connect several symbols together to achieve a bigger concept. More importantly, it acts as an aid to convey the theme of the story. Through the symbols of every character, Piatote illuminates the idea of the two clashing cultures that Nathaniel faces. As Nathaniel encounters Jen, he faces the American culture. As Nathaniel encounters Mel, he faces the Native American culture. Piatote also includes a contrasting character, Bean, to show that reader that Nathaniel longs to live the life that Bean has, where both cultures play a role in his life. Ultimately, as Nathaniel meets the two cultures on a “face-to-face” level, he finally realizes that due to his own fears and personal desires, he remains with his native culture.