Two Old Women

This story from the beginning was actually more interesting to me than some of the other stories we have read for the class mainly because the story seemed really authentic and as if it was simply being told by a story teller. The story offers a lot to the reader by not only describing the culture of the Indians, but also by showing the reader some "How To's" within that culture such as how to survive, to have patience, and how to forgive. The story of the old woman may at first seem cruel and unusual reading it from an American perspective. However, as readers we must remember that the people in the tribe are merely making a decision for the benefit of the majority. Yes, they are unaware at first of how capable the two old women really are, but that only adds to the story by showing the reader what the tribe learned as well as the woman. The oral tradition is definitely present in this story as many lessons are introduced to the reader. On the surface the story could just be about two old women being left for dead, but when we search for the lessons we see that the women learn how to fend for themselves. There is this idea of everyone taking care of their own while also sharing when it may be necessary. The story was really interesting to me because of how real it seemed because the women changed so significantly throughout the book.

Christine is Ida's sister/cousin?

What? Christine is really the daughter of Ida's aunt and father? That makes her like Ida's sister and cousin all at the same time. Wow, I really have to wrap my head around that one. I have to say that reading Ida's part of the book really did reveal a lot to the reader and I honestly didn't feel like she loved Christine any less than she loved Lee although Lee was really hers. I'm not sure I really understood Ida especially when she didn't tell Willard that it was his child but I think if a man had said I wasn't really pretty or smart but I was accepting I probably wouldn't want him staying around for very much longer either. The book somehow wrapped itself up though the three stories didn't necessarily come together in the end. One thing I would have liked to have seen happen would be for Ida's part to have included more of the present issues such as Christine being sick and abandoning Rayona. I think I now understand why Ida was so okay with taking care of Rayona because she had always been taking care of people and giving them love, understanding, and a place in the world. Overall, I loved the stories within this book and the perspectives only added to my understanding of the central issues present.