Fools Crow - Theme

Theme

This is essentially a novel about choices and decisions that human beings make and how the consequences of those choices play out in a society in which each human being is intimately connected to all parts of the world around him or her. - Kathy J. Whitson

One of the not important symbols found in this book is dreams. Dreams play an essential role in the Pikunis' tradition, ranging from receiving messages from the gods or spirit animals. Fast Horse was wary of his dream of Cold Maker and did not follow the message that Cold Maker gave him. Because of this, Fast Horse had a steady decline after the raid. Fools Crow on the other hand listened to his dreams and followed what they told him to do. Because of this, he is able to rise up and become the leader of the Pikunis. The dreams are limited however; they do not allow Fools Crow to stop the disaster of smallpox or bring down the Napikwans. The last few scenes present the reader with a sense of hope, which can be seen by the obvious symbol of a red puppy at Baker's Massacre.

A theme found in this book is leadership and what develops it. This book shows four different leaders and which one eventually becomes the one to lead the Pikunis. They include:

• Fools Crow
• Fast Horse
• Owl Child
• Running Fisher

Fools Crow will eventually become the main leader for the Blackfeet. Fools Crow develops into a leader early in the book, when he goes to Mik-Api to get rid of the bad spirits. He follows tradition and does what is good for the whole. The rest of the Pikunis make a leader out of him; this can be seen by the way they force the name "Fools Crow" on him. Because his spirit animal is the "skunk bear" or wolverine and not a true bear, this represents that he will become a different leader for the Pikunis. The others, Fast Horse and Owl Child, do not see the consequences of their actions, nor do they act on behalf of whole. Owl Child in fact causes more problems for the Pikunis by inciting violence towards the Napikwans. Running Fisher, the brother of Fools Crow, does not develop his leadership skills throughout the book, even though it was slated that he would become a great leader. During the attack on the Crows, it was Fools Crow who comforts Running Fisher, who is scared.

Fool's Crow is a true quest hero. He goes through the ritualistic initiation: separation, trials, encounter with mythic beings, transformation, and he returns to help his people. Like the journeys of Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed, his quest is spiritual. He experiences dreams and visions; he recites the cosmogonic myth; he suffers pain for his people. His transformation is a true apotheosis: he is elevated to a new level of consciousness and can share his vision with his people.