Journal #5

A single theme repeated through all three texts would be Native Americans and the struggle for equality. The topics of writing during this time varied but the plight of Native Americans was recognized. In Lydia Sigourney's poem, Indian Names, she writes about the Native Americans and how although every thing was stripped from them, they have not been forgotten."Ye say, they all have passed away, that noble race and brave, that their light canoes have vanished from off the crested wave; that 'mid the forests where they roamed there rings no hunter's shout; but their name is on your waters, ye may not wash it out." Sigourney's poem connected with the ideas of William Apess and his struggle to restore the Native American people. In An Indian's Looking-Glass for the White Men, Apess ask his audience what his Native American people have done to deserve such punishment. In the story Apess talk about the men who are agents, or overseers from Massachusetts appointed to govern the natives. "Many of them are unfaithful and care not whether the Indians live or die; they are much imposed upon by their neighbors, who have no principle. They would think its no crime to go upon Indian lands and cut and carry off their most valuable timber, or anything else they choose..." Apess goes on to ask why their rights and property are not protected like the white man. It is easy to see the struggle the Native Americans face and the fact that their land was taken from them unjustly. These three works reflect that struggle and the call for justice.