This is a Story, Optional English, Grade 12, Nepal.

 This is a Story by Jeannette C. Armstrong (Prepared by Pratap Pandey, Gorkha)

Expanding the Horizon

1.     How does the author bring contrast between Western people and native people?

The author has shown the difference between Western and native people in terms of their way of life and motive. She has mentioned that the Western people had everything swallow which refers to their dominance upon the native people after colonization. In the name of development, the Westerners had imposed their modern lifestyle which could destroy the native culture and history of the Okanagan people. On the other hand, native people have shown their opposition to the intruders to save their glorious history and culture in the story.

2.     How does the author criticize the western perspective of development?

In the story, the author has criticized that the Western people always destroy the aboriginal culture and lifestyle of people. Though the colonizers act like developing the country and making them civilized, they have a hidden motive to take control over the natural assets of the aboriginal people. Eventually, the swallow people oppress and destroy the true identity of the native people.

3.     Do you think the author is worried about the loss of native culture and identity? Give reasons.

The writer has shown a vivid intention to protect the native culture and identity through the character of Kyoti in the story. Kyoti is the symbol of protest against the colonization who is ready to break the dams made by the Western people. The symbol of breaking the dam illustrates the struggle of native people to preserve their aboriginal identity. The author being an Okanagan woman, is worried about the loss of her aboriginal status and identity after the colonization of the Swallow people.

4.     How are the white men trying to control the natural flow of the river?

The white men are trying to control the natural flow of the river by constructing dams across the Okanagan River. The control of the flow of the river symbolizes the control over the Okanagan people and their natural lifestyle. The white people after the colonization broke the aboriginal status of the Okanagan tribe and established their own culture and way of life. In conclusion, the white people not only controlled the flow of the river but also the flow of the Okanagan people.

5.     How does the story talk about the resistance of man's atrocity against the natural world?

The whole story centers on the resistance of the Okanagan people against the undesirable disturbance in their culture and true identity. The fear of the Salmon Chief and other people of the tribe shows the fear that may occur if they try to oppose the Swallows. However, Kyoti led the people against the intruders to protect their true history and identity. Finally, the people of the Okanagan tribe gathered together to break the dam which is the main barrier to them. The author has successfully created resistance against the white people and their oppression through the characters in the story.

6.     Comment on the language of the story.

Jeannette C. Armstrong gets straight to the point about her foundations as a writer. She writes being influenced by her original language, the language of her people. She makes the aboriginal connection with Okanagan tribe and culture. The process of being shaped by language and land seems fundamental to Armstrong’s writing style.