Hal Borland’s When the Legends Die is a powerful novel exploring identity, cultural conflict, and the search for meaning in a changing world. This study guide delves into the novel’s themes, characters, and literary devices, offering a comprehensive resource for students and readers alike.
Exploring Themes
When the Legends Die presents a multi-faceted exploration of several key themes:
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Identity: Tom Black Bull’s journey is fundamentally about discovering and defining his identity. He grapples with his Ute heritage, the pressures of white society, and the various roles imposed upon him. The novel examines how environment, experience, and personal choice shape one’s sense of self.
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Cultural Conflict: The novel vividly portrays the clash between Native American traditions and the dominant white culture in the early 20th century. This conflict manifests in the exploitation of the Ute people, the suppression of their customs, and the forced assimilation of Native American children.
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Loss of Innocence: Tom’s experiences, marked by violence, betrayal, and disillusionment, lead to a profound loss of innocence. The novel explores the psychological impact of trauma and the challenges of navigating a world filled with injustice.
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The Search for Meaning: Tom’s quest is ultimately a search for meaning and purpose in life. He seeks solace and guidance in both the traditions of his ancestors and the potential offered by a new way of life. His journey highlights the universal human need for connection, belonging, and a sense of place in the world.
Character Analysis
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Tom Black Bull: The protagonist of the novel, Tom undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. He begins as a young Ute boy deeply connected to his heritage but is forced to adapt to a rapidly changing world. His various names – the boy, Brother Bear, Thomas, Tom, Killer Tom Black – reflect the different facets of his evolving identity.
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Benson: Benson represents the exploitative and cynical aspects of white society. He takes Tom under his wing but ultimately uses him for his own gain, highlighting the corrupting influence of greed and power.
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Red Dillon: A complex character, Red Dillon embodies the conflicting values of the white world. While he offers Tom opportunities and guidance, his actions are often motivated by self-interest and a lack of understanding of Ute culture.
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Blue Elk: Blue Elk is a figure of wisdom and tradition, representing the enduring strength of Ute culture. He serves as a mentor to Tom, offering guidance and reminding him of his heritage.
Key Plot Points and Analysis
The novel follows a circular narrative structure, mirroring the cyclical nature of life and Tom’s journey of self-discovery.
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Early Life and Loss: Tom’s early life is marked by a close connection to nature and his family’s traditional Ute ways. The death of his parents shatters this idyllic existence, setting him on a path of hardship and displacement.
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Life with Benson: Tom’s experiences working for Benson expose him to the harsh realities of exploitation and prejudice. He learns to survive in a cutthroat world but loses touch with his cultural identity.
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The Rodeo Circuit: Tom’s success as a rodeo rider brings him fame and fortune, but also further alienates him from his heritage. He becomes known as “Killer Tom Black,” a symbol of his violent past and his detachment from his true self.
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Return to the Mountains: Tom’s eventual return to the mountains marks a turning point in his journey. He begins to reconnect with his Ute roots and to find a sense of peace and belonging.
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Spiritual Awakening: The climax of the novel involves Tom’s spiritual awakening and his acceptance of his identity. This moment allows him to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to honoring his heritage.
Literary Devices
Borland employs several literary devices to enhance the novel’s themes and impact:
- Symbolism: The mountains, the bear, and Tom’s various names all serve as symbols representing different aspects of his identity and his journey.
- Imagery: The novel is rich in vivid imagery, particularly descriptions of the natural world. This imagery helps to create a sense of place and to emphasize the connection between the Ute people and their environment.
- Foreshadowing: Borland uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and to create a sense of suspense.
- Circular Narrative: The circular structure of the novel reinforces the theme of cyclical return and the idea that one’s past always influences one’s present.
Discussion Questions
- How does Tom Black Bull’s identity evolve throughout the novel? What factors contribute to these changes?
- What does the novel suggest about the relationship between Native American culture and white society?
- How does the setting of the novel contribute to its themes?
- What role does violence play in the novel? How does it affect Tom and the other characters?
- What is the significance of the novel’s ending? What does it suggest about Tom’s future?
Further Exploration
- Research the history of the Ute people and the challenges they faced in the early 20th century.
- Explore other works of literature that deal with themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the loss of innocence.
- Consider the relevance of the novel’s themes to contemporary issues of cultural identity and social justice.
This study guide provides a starting point for understanding and appreciating When the Legends Die. By exploring the novel’s themes, characters, and literary devices, readers can gain a deeper understanding of its enduring power and relevance.
