The Man to Send Rain Clouds Themes
The three main themes in “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” are cultural survival, the power struggle between cultures, and the importance of ritual.
- Cultural survival: The story is a parable of cultural endurance, demonstrating how Native American religions have survived by incorporating new elements from other cultures.
- The power struggle between cultures: The story is about the power struggle between the Pueblo and the white world.
- The importance of ritual: Ritual is important to the characters in the story, both for its practical purposes and for its role in cultural identity.
Creativity
In her short story ‘‘The Man to Send Rain Clouds,’’ Silko perceives creativity as a source of strength for Native Americans, a theme that recurs in her later works. In particular, Leon's strength lies in his ability to creatively combine Indian rituals with Catholic rituals. He does not strictly follow the Indian ways, but adds a new element by asking the Catholic priest to sprinkle holy water on Teofilo's grave. Throughout the story, Silko emphasizes that the strength of Pueblo traditions lies in their ability to incorporate alien elements into their own way of life.
Custom and Tradition
Silko's story is concerned with the strength of the customs and traditions of the Native Americans, and how to resolve a conflict between Native-American customs and Christian customs. Leon asks the Catholic priest to participate in the community's Indian rites. Father Paul refuses at first, but later decides to sprinkle holy water on the grave, honoring the Native-American belief that the spirit must have plenty of water in its journey to the other world. The story reveals how clashes over differences in customs and tradition can be avoided through a combination of customs.
Death
Related to the theme of custom and tradition in ‘‘The Man to Send Rain Clouds’’ is the theme of death, which is presented from a Native-American perspective. Death is not an end, but part of a cycle wherein the spirit departs to return in time with rainstorms. As he finishes painting the dead face of Teofilo, Leon is not sad; instead he smiles and offers the conventional Pueblo prayer asking the dead man to send rain clouds.
Individual versus Community
Another theme in ‘‘The Man to Send Rain Clouds’’ is the struggle of the individual versus community. As the priest of a Native-American parish, Father Paul must oversee the Catholics in his region. Yet after the old man dies, Leon does not inform the priest, though the rest of his parishioners have been informed. Father Paul is the last person to join his parishioners in the graveyard, and as he empties a jar of holy water on Teofilo's grave he, in a small way, joins the Native-American community.
Appearances and Reality
''The Man to Send Rain Clouds'' addresses the theme of appearances versus reality through the character of Father Paul. At one point excited and full of plans for his Native-American parish, Father Paul finds the reality of working in an Indian parish very different from what he had expected. When Leon asks the priest to participate in the burial ceremony, Father Paul looks with tired, unseeing eyes at the ''glossy missionary magazine ... full of lepers and pagans’’ and refuses, but after a moment's reflection he decides to go with Leon.
Culture Clash
In ''The Man to Send Rain Clouds,'' Leon and Father Paul belong to different cultures, and there is the moment of confrontation when, at Teofilo's burial service, Father Paul asks, ‘‘Why didn't you tell me he [Teofilo] was dead? I could have brought the Last Rites anyway.’’ Leon replies, ‘‘It wasn't necessary, Father.’’ The conflict is resolved with Father Paul agreeing to participate in an Indian ritual. Although it is not strictly a Christian burial, the dead man receives the blessings of both traditional and Christian cultures.
Cultural Conflict and Preservation
"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" explores the cultural conflict and preservation faced by many indigenous communities today. The story juxtaposes traditional Native American beliefs and practices with Catholic rituals.
There is tension between these two systems of meaning within the story. Teofilo's burial is a central point of this conflict. While the family and community preserve traditional rituals, the priest insists on the importance of Catholic rites, such...
(This entire section contains 217 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
as the Last Rites and a funeral Mass. This is likely why he was the last person to be told about the funeral. This clash reflects the historical and ongoing struggle of indigenous peoples to maintain their cultural identity in the face of colonization and assimilation.
The story also explores the complexities of cultural identity. The characters navigate the tension between honoring their ancestral traditions and adapting to the dominant culture. Ultimately, they find common ground through combining Catholic rites with indigenous burial practices. This signifies a potential for cross-cultural understanding and respect, even when facing differing beliefs.
In a way, Leon and Father Paul are meeting each other halfway. The priest's act of sprinkling the holy water is not entirely Catholic, nor is it entirely an indigenous ritual. The combination of these practices hints at a willingness to acknowledge and appreciate the value of both traditions.
The Importance of Nature and the Land
The natural world is a significant element in the story, reflecting the deep connection between the characters and their environment. The story repeatedly shows an understanding of the land as a sacred and essential part of their lives. The people of the Pueblo have an innate knowledge of it, and it informs many of their decisions.
For instance, while the priest is surprised that the people at the funeral were able to dig a grave in the frozen ground, Leon knows right away that it would be possible because "Only the top layer of soil is frozen." As someone intimately connected to the land, Leon understands the possibilities and limits of what people can do with it.
The story also highlights the importance of honoring the land and its natural resources. The characters' appreciation for the land is evident in their rituals and practices, such as sprinkling corn meal and pollen. This connection to nature is further emphasized through the characters' belief in the land's ability to provide spiritually and materially for them.
They see everything as part of the natural world. Even Teofilo's death is connected to the natural cycles of the land; his family hopes that the old man's spirit will now become a force to send them rain, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of human life and the environment.
The Role of Community and Family
The community plays a crucial role in the story. In subtle ways, Silko portrays the importance of social bonds and the support that the characters receive from their loved ones. Without question, they are there to offer assistance in times of need. When the old man passes away, the neighbors come together to offer the family condolences, food, and support. This sense of community solidarity is evident throughout the narrative. There is a value placed on collective effort and mutual assistance.
The story also explores the role of family traditions in shaping the characters' identities. The characters' adherence to traditional rituals and practices reflects their deep-rooted connection to their family, community, and heritage. This short story reinforces the idea that family traditions are essential for preserving cultural identity and providing a sense of belonging.
Father Paul, who is in many ways an interloper in the Pueblo, nevertheless becomes a part of the community through his interactions with the other characters. At first, he is hesitant to perform his rituals in an unorthodox manner. Yet, after some thought, he is ultimately drawn into their lives and becomes an active participant in their rituals and traditions. He will likely always remain an outsider to a large extent, but his willingness to adapt and participate in the community's traditions demonstrates a respect for their cultural heritage and a desire for connection.
