In “The Plague of Doves: A Critical Literary Analysis by Tommy Orange,” the author delves into the complexities of Louise Erdrich’s novel, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the impact of historical trauma on Native American communities. Through a close reading of the text, Orange offers insightful commentary on Erdrich’s use of language, structure, and symbolism to create a powerful, multi-layered narrative that speaks to the experiences of both individuals and communities. This analysis provides a valuable perspective on one of the most important works of contemporary Native American literature.
Historical Context
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich is a novel that explores the complex history of the Ojibwe people and their relationship with the white settlers in North Dakota. The novel is set in the fictional town of Pluto, which is based on the real-life town of Wahpeton, North Dakota. The novel is set in the late 20th century, but it is deeply rooted in the history of the region.
The Ojibwe people have a long and complicated history in North America. They were one of the first Native American tribes to encounter European settlers, and their interactions with these settlers were often fraught with violence and conflict. The Ojibwe people were forced to adapt to a new way of life as their traditional hunting and gathering practices were disrupted by the arrival of European settlers.
The Plague of Doves explores the legacy of this history through the stories of several characters, both Ojibwe and white. The novel is structured as a series of interconnected stories that span several generations, and it explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of storytelling.
Erdrich’s novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the historical context in which a story is set. By exploring the complex history of the Ojibwe people and their relationship with white settlers, Erdrich is able to create a nuanced and deeply moving portrait of a community struggling to come to terms with its past and its present.
Themes of Identity and Belonging
In Tommy Orange’s novel, The Plague of Doves, the themes of identity and belonging are central to the story. The novel explores the complexities of identity and how it is shaped by one’s family, community, and history. The characters in the novel struggle with their sense of belonging, as they navigate their relationships with their families and communities. The novel also examines the impact of historical trauma on identity and belonging, as the characters grapple with the legacy of violence and displacement that has affected their families for generations. Through its exploration of these themes, The Plague of Doves offers a powerful commentary on the importance of community and connection in shaping our sense of self and belonging.
Narrative Structure and Point of View
The narrative structure and point of view in “The Plague of Doves” by Louise Erdrich are complex and multi-layered. The novel is told from multiple perspectives, including those of several generations of Ojibwe and white characters living in the fictional town of Pluto, North Dakota. The story is also non-linear, with events unfolding in a fragmented and sometimes disjointed manner.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel’s narrative structure is the way in which it weaves together different threads of history and memory. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes, each of which sheds light on a different aspect of the town’s past. These vignettes are often narrated by different characters, and they are not always presented in chronological order. Instead, the novel jumps back and forth in time, creating a sense of disorientation and uncertainty that mirrors the characters’ own experiences of trauma and loss.
The point of view in “The Plague of Doves” is similarly complex. The novel is narrated by a number of different characters, each of whom brings their own perspective and voice to the story. Some of these characters are Ojibwe, while others are white, and their experiences of the town and its history are often very different. The novel also includes sections of first-person narration, which allow the reader to get inside the heads of individual characters and experience their thoughts and emotions firsthand.
Overall, the narrative structure and point of view in “The Plague of Doves” are integral to the novel’s exploration of history, memory, and identity. By weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines, Erdrich creates a rich and complex portrait of a community struggling to come to terms with its past and present.
Symbolism of the Plague of Doves
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich is a novel that is rich in symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the plague of doves that descends upon the town of Pluto. The doves are a powerful symbol of both life and death, and they represent the cyclical nature of existence. The doves are also a symbol of the Native American culture that is so prevalent in the book. The Native American people have a deep connection to nature, and the doves are a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring the natural world. Overall, the plague of doves is a powerful symbol that adds depth and meaning to the novel.
Character Analysis: Evelina Harp
Evelina Harp is a complex character in Tommy Orange’s novel, The Plague of Doves. She is a mixed-race woman who struggles with her identity and her place in the world. Evelina is the granddaughter of Mooshum, a Native American man who was wrongly accused of murder and lynched by a group of white men. This event has a profound impact on Evelina’s life and shapes her worldview.
Evelina is a strong and independent woman who is determined to make a better life for herself. She works hard to become a successful lawyer and is respected by her colleagues. However, she is haunted by the past and the injustices that her family has suffered. Evelina is torn between her loyalty to her Native American heritage and her desire to assimilate into white society.
Throughout the novel, Evelina struggles with her relationships with men. She is attracted to John Wilder, a white man who represents everything she wants to escape from. John is wealthy, powerful, and privileged, and Evelina is drawn to his confidence and charm. However, she is also wary of him and the way he represents the oppression of her people.
Evelina’s relationship with her ex-husband, Tommy, is also complicated. Tommy is a Native American man who is deeply connected to his culture and traditions. Evelina is initially drawn to Tommy’s authenticity and his commitment to his people. However, their marriage falls apart when Evelina realizes that she cannot fully embrace Tommy’s way of life.
Overall, Evelina is a complex and nuanced character who embodies the struggles of mixed-race individuals in America. She is torn between two worlds and must navigate the complexities of race, identity, and culture. Through Evelina’s story, Orange explores the themes of assimilation, cultural identity, and the legacy of colonialism.
Character Analysis: Mooshum
Mooshum is a complex character in The Plague of Doves. He is a wise and respected elder in the community, but he also has a troubled past that haunts him. Mooshum is a survivor of the brutal boarding school system that aimed to assimilate Native American children into white culture. This experience has left him with deep scars and a sense of loss for his culture and language. Despite this, Mooshum is a resilient character who has found ways to cope with his trauma. He is a skilled storyteller and uses his stories to connect with his family and community. Mooshum’s love for his granddaughter, Evelina, is a driving force in the novel. He is fiercely protective of her and wants her to have a better life than he did. Mooshum’s character is a testament to the resilience and strength of Native American people in the face of historical trauma.
Exploration of Racism and Prejudice
In “The Plague of Doves,” author Louise Erdrich explores the themes of racism and prejudice through the lens of a small North Dakota town. The novel delves into the complex relationships between the white and Native American communities, highlighting the deep-seated prejudices that exist on both sides. Through the use of multiple narrators and a non-linear timeline, Erdrich paints a vivid picture of the ways in which racism and prejudice can shape individual lives and entire communities. The novel is a powerful exploration of the lasting impact of historical injustices and the ongoing struggle for understanding and reconciliation.
Impacts of Trauma on the Community
The impacts of trauma on a community can be devastating and long-lasting. In Tommy Orange’s novel, “The Plague of Doves,” the effects of historical trauma are explored through the lens of a small North Dakota town. The novel delves into the aftermath of a brutal murder that occurred decades earlier and the ripple effects it has on the community. The trauma of the murder is compounded by the historical trauma experienced by the Native American characters in the novel, who have endured generations of violence and oppression at the hands of white settlers. The novel highlights how trauma can be passed down through generations and how it can manifest in different ways, such as addiction, violence, and mental illness. The impact of trauma on a community can be seen in the characters’ struggles to connect with one another and their inability to move past the events of the past. Through his novel, Orange sheds light on the importance of acknowledging and addressing trauma in order to heal and move forward as a community.
Use of Language and Style
In “The Plague of Doves,” author Tommy Orange employs a unique and captivating style of writing that draws readers in and keeps them engaged throughout the novel. Orange’s use of language is both poetic and raw, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life. He also incorporates various narrative techniques, such as shifting perspectives and timelines, to create a complex and multi-layered story. Overall, Orange’s style of writing adds depth and richness to the novel, making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature.
Comparison to Other Works of Literature
When comparing “The Plague of Doves” to other works of literature, one cannot help but notice the similarities to William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying.” Both novels feature multiple narrators and perspectives, as well as a nonlinear timeline. However, while Faulkner’s novel focuses on the death and burial of a matriarch, “The Plague of Doves” explores the aftermath of a brutal murder and its impact on a small North Dakota town. Additionally, Louise Erdrich’s use of Ojibwe language and cultural references adds a unique layer to the novel’s storytelling, setting it apart from other works in the genre. Overall, “The Plague of Doves” stands out as a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that deserves a place among the greats.
Representation of Indigenous Peoples
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich is a novel that explores the complex history and experiences of Indigenous peoples in the United States. Through the use of multiple narrators and perspectives, Erdrich offers a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including the legacy of colonialism, forced assimilation, and ongoing discrimination. The novel also highlights the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples, as well as the importance of community and connection to land and culture. Overall, The Plague of Doves is a powerful and thought-provoking work that contributes to the representation of Indigenous peoples in literature.
Gender and Sexuality in The Plague of Doves
In The Plague of Doves, author Louise Erdrich explores the complexities of gender and sexuality in a small North Dakota town. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique experiences and struggles related to their gender and sexual identities. One of the most prominent themes in the book is the idea of fluidity, both in terms of gender and sexuality. Many of the characters in the novel are shown to be exploring and questioning their own identities, often in the face of societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations. Through her nuanced portrayal of these characters, Erdrich highlights the ways in which gender and sexuality are deeply intertwined with issues of power, privilege, and identity. Overall, The Plague of Doves offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of these complex and often fraught issues, challenging readers to question their own assumptions and biases about gender and sexuality.
Analysis of the Ending
The ending of “The Plague of Doves” is both satisfying and unsettling. On one hand, the loose ends are tied up and the reader is given closure on the various storylines. On the other hand, the resolution is not necessarily a happy one, and the reader is left with a sense of unease. The final chapter, in which Evelina and Mooshum visit the site of the massacre, is particularly poignant. The description of the land and the ghosts that haunt it is hauntingly beautiful, and the revelation of Mooshum’s involvement in the massacre is a gut-punch. Overall, the ending of “The Plague of Doves” is a testament to Erdrich’s skill as a writer, as she manages to create a satisfying conclusion while still leaving the reader with much to ponder.
Religious Imagery and Symbolism
In Tommy Orange’s novel, The Plague of Doves, religious imagery and symbolism are prevalent throughout the text. The novel is set in a small North Dakota town where the majority of the population is Native American, and the influence of Christianity is evident in the characters’ lives. The use of religious imagery and symbolism serves to highlight the cultural clash between traditional Native American beliefs and Christianity.
One example of religious imagery in the novel is the recurring image of the dove. The dove is a symbol of peace and purity in Christianity, but in Native American culture, it is associated with death and mourning. The title of the novel itself is a reference to the biblical story of the plague of locusts, which is a punishment from God. This suggests that the plague of doves in the novel is also a form of punishment, but it is unclear who or what is being punished.
Another example of religious symbolism in the novel is the character of Father Travis, a Catholic priest who is struggling with his faith. Father Travis represents the clash between Christianity and traditional Native American beliefs. He is torn between his duty to the church and his desire to understand and respect the Native American culture. His character serves as a metaphor for the larger cultural conflict in the novel.
Overall, the use of religious imagery and symbolism in The Plague of Doves adds depth and complexity to the novel. It highlights the cultural clash between Christianity and traditional Native American beliefs and adds to the overall theme of identity and belonging.
Exploration of Justice and Revenge
In “The Plague of Doves,” author Louise Erdrich explores the themes of justice and revenge through the lens of a small North Dakota town. The novel follows the intertwined stories of several characters, including Evelina Harp, a young Native American girl who witnesses a brutal murder, and Judge Antone Bazil Coutts, who presides over the trial of the accused killer.
Throughout the novel, Erdrich grapples with the question of what justice truly means. Is it simply punishing those who have committed crimes, or is it about finding a way to heal the wounds caused by those crimes? And what role does revenge play in the pursuit of justice?.
These questions are particularly relevant in the context of the novel’s setting, where tensions between the white and Native American communities run high. As Evelina and other characters struggle to come to terms with the violence they have witnessed, they are forced to confront the ways in which their own identities and histories are intertwined with the larger issues of justice and revenge.
Ultimately, “The Plague of Doves” offers a nuanced and complex exploration of these themes, one that challenges readers to think deeply about the nature of justice and the ways in which it can be achieved in a world that is often marked by violence and inequality.
Interpretation of the Title
The title of Louise Erdrich’s novel, The Plague of Doves, is a metaphorical representation of the historical and cultural trauma experienced by the Native American community. The word “plague” suggests a widespread and devastating disease that affects a large population, which can be interpreted as the impact of colonization and forced assimilation on the indigenous people. The use of “doves” in the title is significant as it symbolizes peace and innocence, which contrasts with the violence and injustice inflicted upon the Native American community. The title also alludes to the biblical story of the dove that brought an olive branch to Noah’s ark, which can be interpreted as a hopeful message of reconciliation and healing. Overall, the title of the novel encapsulates the themes of trauma, resilience, and hope that are explored throughout the narrative.
Impact of Setting on the Narrative
The setting of a story can have a significant impact on the narrative, and this is certainly the case in Louise Erdrich’s novel, The Plague of Doves. The story takes place in the fictional town of Pluto, North Dakota, which is based on Erdrich’s hometown of Wahpeton. The town is situated on the edge of a Native American reservation, and the tension between the white and Native American communities is a central theme of the novel. The harsh, isolated landscape of the Great Plains also plays a role in shaping the characters and their experiences. The setting of The Plague of Doves is not just a backdrop for the story, but an integral part of it, influencing the characters’ actions and shaping the narrative in profound ways.