In a remote Alaskan village, a young woman finds herself in a jail cell, her past and uncertain future intricately intertwined. The tale weaves through her life, exploring themes of cultural dissonance, personal struggles, and the burden of storytelling passed down through generations. As she reflects on her journey, her narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a changing world.

Life Behind Bars

At the story's outset, the young woman peers through the bars of her cell window, fixating on the surprising sight of the arrested sun. Her excitement bubbles over as she calls the jailer to witness this anomaly. Yet, he dismisses her with indifference, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

The World Beyond the Cell

As the narrative expands, the cold, harsh environment of Alaska comes into focus. Here, the terms "white people" and "Gussucks" surface, painting a picture of the cultural landscape. Her mind wanders, recalling the arrogance of the "Gussucks," a thought that brings a momentary smile. Her memories drift to her village, her modest cabin, and the summer spent hammering red tin onto its walls.

A Glimpse into the Past

The story then shifts to an earlier time. The young woman, driven by both curiosity and a desire to escape the confines of her home life with her grandmother and an old man, decides to attend school. Despite her efforts, her peers shun her, fearing the odd couple she lives with. The old man, frail and bedridden through the winter, and her grandmother, whose joints are "swollen with anger," symbolize the crumbling Eskimo world.

Resistance and Loss

The school environment quickly becomes a hostile place for the girl, as the old man had predicted. Her refusal to speak English results in punishment, highlighting her resistance to losing her native Yupik identity. Returning home at the school year's end, she is confronted with the death of her grandmother and the realization that she will never go back to school. Moreover, it is revealed that the old man imposes on her sexually.

A Troubled Transition

The narrative jumps forward, though not yet to her present in the jail cell. She has grown beyond the old man's unwelcome advances and seeks out a "Gussuck" lover, despite the old man's warnings that such a relationship will lead to trouble. Around this time, he begins telling a story about a formidable bear, a tale he repeats until his death.

The Red-Haired Man

In a pivotal scene, the young woman encounters a "red-haired man" at a local Gussuck store. He invites her to join him in the back room where he socializes with other men. The storekeeper looks on enviously as the young woman leaves with him. In his room, she curiously examines what he hangs above his bed—it's an image of a woman beneath a large dog.

Tragic Memories

The story then retreats further into the past. As a child, the young woman questions her grandmother about the morning after her parents' death. She remembers seeing "something red" in the grass, perhaps a hint of blood, yet its true nature remains uncertain. Her grandmother recounts how her parents were poisoned by a deceitful shopkeeper who fled town to escape repercussions.

The Bear's Tale

Returning to the period after her grandmother's death, the young woman lives with the old man, who continues his interminable bear story. His narrative of the relentless bear serves as a metaphor for inexorable change and impending doom, a story he tells tirelessly, day and night.

The Icy River Incident

The story moves towards its climax. The young woman lures the storekeeper into chasing her across the ice-covered...