Culture and Identity in Leslie Silko's "The Man to Send Rain Clouds"

Culture plays a profound role in shaping family life and identity. Family traditions often serve as a bridge between generations, carrying with them the richness of heritage and the evolving influence of external factors over time. While cultural beliefs may adapt and incorporate new elements, the essence of the original identity remains discernible. In Leslie Silko's poignant short story, "The Man to Send Rain Clouds," this delicate interplay between culture and identity unfolds. Despite the persistent influence of Catholicism on the Pueblo people's society, Leon and his family steadfastly uphold their Native American identity through their actions and choices throughout the narrative.

The Influence of Catholicism on Pueblo Culture

Silko underscores the evolving cultural landscape by noting that her people were "well informed about [their] culture," yet recognized that "old traditions were dying out" (Silko, "Language" 772). The local Catholic Church, led by Father Paul, seeks to integrate its teachings into the Laguna's way of life. Father Paul expresses concern when Leon and his family miss Mass, urging them to attend the following weekend.

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He successfully influences Leon's sister, Louise, who suggests incorporating the Catholic ritual of pouring holy water on their grandfather's gravesite to ensure he does not go thirsty in the afterlife (Silko, "Man" 50).

Despite Catholicism's attempts to reshape Native Pueblo culture, Leon remains steadfast in preserving his Native identity. When Leon and Ken discover their grandfather Teofilo dead in the arroyo, they instinctively perform the sacred Native Pueblo customs. These rituals involve painting their grandfather's face, adorning him with a feather in his hair, wrapping him in a red blanket, and scattering cornmeal into the wind.

Through these acts, they honor their cultural heritage, reaffirming the importance of their beliefs in keeping their family and clan united (Silko, "Language" 766).

Resistance to Catholic Influences

Leon's determination to protect his Native identity becomes evident when he and Ken decide to withhold their grandfather's death from Father Paul, opting to maintain the integrity of their cultural practices. They deceive the priest by claiming that Teofilo "won't be herding sheep anymore" (Silko, "Man" 50), thus preventing the imposition of Catholic rituals upon their grandfather.

Despite his initial resistance, Leon eventually acquiesces to the Catholic customs. He requests that Father Paul incorporate the sprinkling of holy water alongside the Native American burial rituals. Leon's acceptance of this fusion of cultures is a significant turning point in the story. He even expresses happiness about the holy water ritual, believing it will allow his grandfather to "send them big thunderclouds" (Silko, "Man" 52), fulfilling his earlier wish. The melding of Catholic and Native rituals symbolizes the potential for harmonious coexistence between different cultural beliefs.

Notably, during the Catholic ritual, Father Paul himself is "reminded of something" (Silko, "Man" 52), hinting at a shared spiritual essence between the two cultures. The pouring of holy water serves as a metaphor for the recognition that finding commonalities between different cultures can facilitate acceptance and integration of foreign ideas into one's own belief system.

The Unifying Power of Cultural Diversity

Leslie Silko's exploration of cultural interplay underscores the idea that different cultures can bring people together, bridging gaps even across great distances (Silko, "Language" 772). While the Catholic Church attempts to influence Leon's family, and Leon strives to preserve the core of his beliefs, they ultimately find a middle ground—a new form of Laguna culture that harmonizes elements from both worlds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Silko offers a profound exploration of the complex relationship between culture and identity. Leon and his family's story serves as a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage in the face of external influences. While Catholicism seeks to reshape their beliefs, Leon's unwavering commitment to his Native identity highlights the importance of cultural preservation. Ultimately, the narrative illustrates that cultural diversity has the potential to unite people and create a richer tapestry of human experience. By recognizing commonalities between cultures, we can foster understanding, acceptance, and the coexistence of diverse beliefs.

Leslie Silko's narrative invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while remaining open to the enriching possibilities that arise when different cultures intersect. It serves as a reminder that the interplay between cultural influences can lead to the emergence of a more inclusive and harmonious world.