Student Question
In "The Rez Sisters," when and how does the trickster transform in the second act?
Quick answer:
In the second act of "The Rez Sisters," the trickster Nanabush transforms from the Bingo Master into a nighthawk. This transformation occurs when Nanabush, as the nighthawk, carries Marie-Adele to the spirit world, marking her death. At the play's end, Nanabush is unseen by the characters but dances "merrily and triumphantly" to Pelajia's hammer beats, visible only to the audience.
The "trickster" also known as Nanabush takes on many disguises. In the play, Nanabush appears disguised as a seagull, a nighthawk, and the Bingo Master. In the second act The Bingo Master-who is also Nanabush suddenly changes into the nighthawk and carries Marie-Adele to the spirit world, signifying her death. At the end of the story Nanabush dances to the beat of Pelajia's hammer, unseen by her but appearing "merrily and triumphantly" to the audience.
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