D’Arcy McNickle, a notable figure in Native American literature, was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. His early life was marked by cultural tensions, having attended a federal Indian boarding school where he was punished for speaking his native language. McNickle advanced his education at the University of Montana and furthered his studies in Europe, becoming an influential anthropologist, historian, and scholar. His contributions included his role as an administrator in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the founding of the Newberry Library Center for the History of the American Indian in Chicago. His first work of fiction, The Surrounded, was initially published to critical acclaim and gained renewed popularity with its reprint in the 1970s, offering a profound glimpse into the complexities of identity and cultural conflict.

Autobiographical Undertones

The Surrounded resonates with autobiographical elements, primarily through its protagonist, Archilde, who embodies the identity struggles faced by a racially mixed individual. Caught between the white and Indian cultures, Archilde’s journey highlights the nuanced reality that neither culture is wholly good or bad, complicating his personal quest for belonging and identity.

Cultural Conflicts

The novel vividly portrays cultural conflict through its depiction of opposing characters and events. For instance, Catharine LaLoup Leon and Max Leon represent the positive aspects of Indian and white cultures, respectively. The narrative contrasts the meaningful ancient Indian dance on the Fourth of July with the superficiality of the white people’s dance in a stark, unadorned hall. This juxtaposition underscores the broader theme of cultural degradation and the longing for preservation of Native American traditions.

Preservation of Culture

McNickle’s anthropological expertise shines through in the meticulous depiction of traditional Native American dances and rituals. He describes the preparation of Mike and Narcisse by the elder women for the dance, emphasizing the aesthetic and cultural richness of these traditions. This reverence for cultural heritage stands in stark contrast to scenes where white onlookers ridicule the elderly dancers, highlighting the broader societal disrespect for Native traditions.

Nature as an Ally

Nature plays a pivotal role in The Surrounded, depicted as a steadfast ally to the Indian people. Archilde’s retreat into the wilderness signifies a return to his roots and a search for solitude. Encounters with nature, such as the cloud-cross in the sky, illustrate a philosophy that values natural signs and instincts over institutional teachings. This connection to nature is further imparted to Mike and Narcisse, advocating for a reliance on nature’s truth rather than human constructs.

Strong Female Characters

The novel features two formidable female characters, Elise and Catharine, who exhibit strength and independence. Elise is depicted as daring and resolute, matching the men in riding and hunting. She initiates actions and decisions, such as orchestrating their escape into the mountains. Catharine, esteemed by both her community and outsiders, is described as a fiercely independent figure who hunts for herself even in her later years, with her death serving as a moment of triumph and dignity amidst her people.

Circular Plot Structure

The Surrounded employs a circular plot structure that mirrors Archilde’s internal journey towards self-discovery. Initially, Archilde seeks to distance himself from his heritage by leaving the reservation, yet his return becomes more than a brief visit as he finds himself increasingly involved in reservation life. His eventual understanding of his identity as an Indian does not stem from external achievements or breaking away but from embracing his roots and community. This realization is most profound during pivotal moments such as the traditional dance and his mother’s passing, where his connection to his cultural heritage is reaffirmed.

Ultimately, The Surrounded serves as a powerful exploration of identity, culture, and the enduring ties to one’s heritage. Through Archilde’s journey, McNickle weaves a narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural interaction and the inherent value of tradition and community.