The Man To Send Rain Clouds Silko

In The Man to Send Rain Clouds by Leslie Marmon Silko, there are millions of symbols and meanings regardless of how short the story may be. ‘‘The big cotton wood tree stood apart from a small grove of winter-bare cottonwoods which grew in the wide, sandy arroyo. Leon waited under the tree while Ken drove the truck through the deep sand to the edge of the arroyo. But high and northwest the Blue Mountains were still in snow. It was getting colder, and the wind pushed gray dust down the narrow pueblo road. The sun was approaching the long mesa where it disappeared during the winter.'' In this short passage the reader can assume this story takes place in New Mexico because of simple things said such as arroyo and pueblo. It’s a simple choice of words such as these that help the reader better understand the story and its culture.
“He looked at the red blanket, not sure that Teofilo was so small, wondering if it wasn't some Indian trick something they did in March to ensure a good
harvest.” (Silko 696) The red blanket holds symbolism as well, Ken and Leon chose to bury their grandfather in a red blanket because they wanted him to be one with the earth, and New Mexico is a red sand land. Leon then sprinkled corn meal because it is the Native American way of a blessing after one’s death. “He paused and watched Ken throw corn meal into the wind.” (Silko 694) All of these beliefs help us to better understand the differences between Catholic beliefs and Native American beliefs.
Leon manipulates Father Paul’s ministry to serve the Pueblos’ purpose because Leon does not want his grandfather to be given his Last Rites for that is a Catholic belief.
"Good morning, Father. We were just out to the sheep camp. Everything is O.K. now." (Silko 694) Silko alters the short story to accommodate the process of cultural assertion and adaptation. The simplicity of her style seems a strange, unconventional way of storytelling. Silko does not describe her characters physically or psychologically, or develop much sense of individual personality. Ken and Leon say almost nothing to each other and almost nothing about themselves. Ken and Leon say nothing when they find Teofilo dead, in spite of the devastating event. The only thing said is “Send us rain clouds, Grandfather” (Silko 694) Among the Pueblo characters, there is only one short exchange, in which Louise tells Ken that she had been thinking about having the priest sprinkle holy water for her grandpa so he will not be
thirsty.