What Is Loss A Main Theme Of Geronimo
Olivia McCampbell
Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac
Loss a Main Theme “Geronimo”
Geronimo and the Apache tribe dealt heavily with death throughout the book. The Apache tribe had beliefs that differed greatly from “white eyes” that brought depth and insight to the understanding for Geronimo and his people. “White eyes” would bury their dead anywhere available and would not pay special attention to those left behind such as family or friends. It seemed cold and part of a routine day to bury their losses. Geromino and his Apache tribe however had a discipline and …show more content…
belief when a member passes as written in the following paragraphs from the book Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac;
“When I was but a small boy my father died, after having been sick for some time.
When he passed away, carefully the watchers closed his eyes, then they arrayed him in his best clothes, painted his face afresh, wrapped a rich blanket around him, saddled his favorite horse, bore his arms in front of him, and led his horse behind, repeating in wailing tones his deeds of valor as they carried his body to a cave in the mountain.
Then they slew his horses, and we gave away all of his other property, as was customary in our tribe, after which his body was deposited in the cave, his arms beside him.
His grave is hidden by piles of stone. Wrapped in splendor he lies in seclusion, and the winds in the pines sing a low requiem over the dead warrior.
After my father's death I assumed the care of my mother.
She never married again, although according to the customs of our tribe she might have done so immediately after his death.
Usually, however, the widow who has children remains single after her husband's death for two or three years; but the widow without children marries again immediately.” This passage enforces the beliefs of the tribe and the importance of a spirit passing into an after life.
Geronimo faced death many times with his multple wives. He married his first wife at 17, had 3 children who later were all killed during a Mexican raid. He then took two wives and had 3 more children. The mexicans killed one of the wives, and the other was taken hostage while Geronimo was imprisoned. He then took a fourth wife, who later died of tuberculosis. Geronimo took his 5th wife Azul who survived passed Geronimo’s death in 1909 after returning to her homeland.
The stories of death throughout the book are frequent and increased the anger and resentment for Mexicans and the Apache tribe.
Geronimo’s ability to deal with loss and his strength to overcome and continue with his beliefs show a strength and drive not noted by the “White
eyes”.
Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac
Loss a Main Theme “Geronimo”
Geronimo and the Apache tribe dealt heavily with death throughout the book. The Apache tribe had beliefs that differed greatly from “white eyes” that brought depth and insight to the understanding for Geronimo and his people. “White eyes” would bury their dead anywhere available and would not pay special attention to those left behind such as family or friends. It seemed cold and part of a routine day to bury their losses. Geromino and his Apache tribe however had a discipline and …show more content…
belief when a member passes as written in the following paragraphs from the book Geronimo by Joseph Bruchac;
“When I was but a small boy my father died, after having been sick for some time.
When he passed away, carefully the watchers closed his eyes, then they arrayed him in his best clothes, painted his face afresh, wrapped a rich blanket around him, saddled his favorite horse, bore his arms in front of him, and led his horse behind, repeating in wailing tones his deeds of valor as they carried his body to a cave in the mountain.
Then they slew his horses, and we gave away all of his other property, as was customary in our tribe, after which his body was deposited in the cave, his arms beside him.
His grave is hidden by piles of stone. Wrapped in splendor he lies in seclusion, and the winds in the pines sing a low requiem over the dead warrior.
After my father's death I assumed the care of my mother.
She never married again, although according to the customs of our tribe she might have done so immediately after his death.
Usually, however, the widow who has children remains single after her husband's death for two or three years; but the widow without children marries again immediately.” This passage enforces the beliefs of the tribe and the importance of a spirit passing into an after life.
Geronimo faced death many times with his multple wives. He married his first wife at 17, had 3 children who later were all killed during a Mexican raid. He then took two wives and had 3 more children. The mexicans killed one of the wives, and the other was taken hostage while Geronimo was imprisoned. He then took a fourth wife, who later died of tuberculosis. Geronimo took his 5th wife Azul who survived passed Geronimo’s death in 1909 after returning to her homeland.
The stories of death throughout the book are frequent and increased the anger and resentment for Mexicans and the Apache tribe.
Geronimo’s ability to deal with loss and his strength to overcome and continue with his beliefs show a strength and drive not noted by the “White
eyes”.