Tommy Orange on His "There There" Sequel
Dive into the compelling interwoven narratives of Tommy Orange's latest work in The Book Review's newest episode featuring Gilbert Cruz, Tommy Orange, and Thomas Gibbons-Neff. The team examines "Wandering Stars," both a sequel and prequel to Orange's acclaimed "There There," which intricately captures the journey of healing for Orville Redfeather post-trauma while also tracing his ancestral lineage. This multifaceted narrative not only confronts the modern complexities of trauma but also revisits the pivotal historical events that have shaped the generational experiences of Native American communities.
In this thought-stirring discussion, Orange's portrayal of the urban Native American experience takes center stage, exploring the unique cultural identities that emerge within city life. The podcast delves into the recurring themes in Orange's literary canvas, from the stark depiction of historical massacres and cultural erasure to personal sagas of addiction and identity crises. Join the conversation as the speakers unpack the sensitive intersection of cultural assimilation, the quest for authenticity, and the challenge of depicting a diverse yet unified urban Native voice in fiction.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 1, 2024 episode of the The Book Review
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1-Page Summary
Wandering Stars as prequel and sequel
"Wandering Stars" is both a sequel to Tommy Orange's "There There" and a prequel that delves into the history of the same characters, particularly following the narrative of Orville Redfeather and his family. As a sequel, the novel captures Orville's journey of healing after the violent powwow events, acknowledging the multi-layered complexity of trauma. In its role as a prequel, the story traces the ancestral roots of Orville's family, starting from a dramatic escape from the Sand Creek Massacre and encompassing their forced attendance at Native American boarding schools, exploring the theme of generational trauma that courses through the narrative.
Native American history depicted
Tommy Orange sheds light on Native American history within "Wandering Stars" by highlighting critical, painful events that have left indelible marks on Native communities. The Sand Creek Massacre serves as a historical cornerstone, casting a long shadow over the characters' lives. Details of Native Americans being taken as prisoners to Florida and the torturous experiences within the boarding schools emphasize the severe abuse and deliberate cultural erasure these people faced. The narrative firmly places these significant historical events as underscoring factors for the inherited trauma and challenges faced by the characters.
Urban Native experience
Through his work, particularly in "There There," Tommy Orange renders an intricate picture of the urban Native American experience in cities such as Oakland, California. He depicts the complexities and richness of urban Native life, highlighting the formation of intertribal communities and the diverse cultural identities that arise in metropolitan settings. Orange's storytelling identifies and honors the unique dynamics of Native people creating their own cultures and communities within urban landscapes, diverging from traditional narratives.
Themes in Tommy Orange's works
In his literary pursuits, Orange wrestles with potent themes reflective of Native American life. He ventures into the realm of historical trauma, illustrating how events like massacres parallel modern acts of violence, such as mass shootings. Addiction is approached with sensitivity, serving as a window into community struggles. Identity issues bubble to the surface, showcasing the conflict of authenticity within Native American cultures. Orange also confronts the tension between cultural assimilation and maintenance, using personal anecdotes like his father's reluctance to pass down the Cheyenne language. Lastly, he contemplates representation in fiction, striving to authentically depict urban Native stories while avoiding a homogenized portrayal of the Native American populace.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on November 29, 1864, in Colorado when U.S. Army troops attacked and killed Cheyenne and Arapaho people, mostly women, children, and the elderly. The attack was led by Colonel John Chivington, and it is considered one of the most infamous incidents of violence against Native Americans in U.S. history. The massacre was a brutal and unprovoked assault on a peaceful encampment, leading to widespread condemnation and later investigations into the atrocity. The aftermath of the massacre fueled further conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. government, leaving a lasting impact on Native communities.
- Generational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma and its effects across generations. It suggests that traumatic experiences can impact not only those who directly experienced them but also their descendants. This inherited trauma can manifest in various ways, influencing behaviors, beliefs, and mental health outcomes in subsequent generations. In the context of the characters in the text, generational trauma from historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and boarding school experiences shapes their identities and challenges.
- The urban Native American experience in cities like Oakland involves navigating a blend of traditional cultural practices and contemporary urban lifestyles. It encompasses the formation of diverse intertribal communities and the preservation of cultural identities in metropolitan settings. This experience highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by Native people as they adapt to urban environments while maintaining connections to their heritage. Tommy Orange's portrayal captures the complexities and richness of urban Native life, shedding light on the unique dynamics and struggles of Native communities in urban landscapes.
- Tommy Orange explores historical trauma by drawing parallels between past atrocities like massacres and contemporary violence. He sensitively portrays addiction as a lens into community struggles and challenges. Orange delves into the conflict between preserving cultural identity and assimilating into mainstream society, reflecting on the complexities faced by Native American communities.
- The tension between cultural assimilation and maintenance within Native American cultures reflects the struggle to preserve traditional practices and beliefs while navigating pressures to conform to dominant societal norms. This conflict arises from historical efforts to erase Native identities through assimilation policies, leading to a complex negotiation between preserving heritage and adapting to survive in a changing world. Native communities often face the challenge of balancing the desire to maintain cultural traditions with the need to engage with modern society, highlighting the ongoing battle to protect their unique identities. This tension underscores the ongoing resilience and resistance of Native peoples against forces seeking to diminish their cultural heritage.
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Wandering Stars as prequel and sequel
"Wandering Stars" serves as both a sequel and a prequel. It continues the story of characters from "There There," particularly Orville Redfeather and his family, while simultaneously taking readers back through generations to tell the story of Orville's ancestors.
Sequel to There There
Tommy Orange reveals that "Wandering Stars" picks up with Orville Redfeather and his family as they recover from the traumatic events of the powwow depicted in "There There." The sequels delves into their journey of healing, a subject Orange finds contains many layers to explore, such as the connection to historical trauma and recovery from a mass shooting. The author conveys the challenges he faced while writing the sequel, grappling with pressure and doubt after the success of his debut.
Shows their recovery and journey to healing
The book focuses on the aftermath of "There There," closely following Orville's personal recovery after being shot at the powwow. It captures the nuances of his experience and how he, along with his family, moves toward healing after such a profound crisis.
Prequel showing Orville's ancestors
"Wandering Stars" also serves as a prequel by detailing the heart-wrenching history of Orville's family. Starting with the devastating Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, it tracks a young man's flight from the violence, leading into the narrative of Orville's forebears.
Fleeing from Sand Creek Massacre in 1800s
A gripping flight from the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre is portrayed, marking the beginning of a thread that ties Orville's present to his family's past, demonstrating th ...
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Wandering Stars as prequel and sequel
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The book "Wandering Stars" is both a sequel and a prequel to "There There." It continues the story of characters from "There There," focusing on Orville Redfeather and his family's journey of healing after a traumatic event. Simultaneously, it delves into the history of Orville's ancestors, connecting their past experiences to the present-day struggles depicted in "There There."
- Historical trauma encompasses the long-lasting effects of significant historical events on individuals and communities, often leading to psychological distress and cultural disconnection. Recovery from a mass shooting involves the process of healing physically, emotionally, and mentally after experiencing or witnessing a violent event, requiring support, therapy, and time to cope and rebuild resilience.
- The Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 was a brutal attack by U.S. Army forces on Cheyenne and Arapaho people in Colorado. Led by Colonel John Chivington, the troops killed around 200 Native Americans, mostly women, children, and the elderly. This event is considered one of the most infamous incidents of violence against Native Americans in the American West. The massacre had long-lasting effects on the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, contributing to intergenerational trauma and shaping their history for years to come.
- Native American boarding schools were institutions established in the 19th and 20th centuries with the goal of assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture. These schools aimed to eradicate Native American languages, traditions, and cultural practices, promoting the adoption of Western customs instead. The boarding schools enforced strict policies that prohibited students from speaking their native langu ...
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Native American history depicted
In this story of Native American history, we weave through the harrowing experiences of a young man whose life is shadowed by the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre, prisoners of war sent to Florida, and the deeply traumatic era of Native American boarding schools.
Sand Creek Massacre
The narrative opens with the Sand Creek Massacre, as the young man, a descendant of survivors, flees from the horror of this event. Though not much detail is provided about the specific experiences of Orville's ancestors, the massacre stands as a grim backdrop to his family's history.
Prisoners taken to Florida
Orange touches upon the prisoners who were taken to Florida following conflicts such as the Sand Creek Massacre. Although details are sparse in the transcript, this serves as a stark reminder of the brutal relocation and imprisonment Native peoples faced after violent clashes with the United States government.
Native American boarding schools
Abuse and trauma suffered
Capturing a particularly dark chapter, the narrative details Orville's ancestors' attendance at a Native American boarding school. Here, the focus is on the abuse, both physical and psychological, that Native children endured. These stories underscore the deeply ingrained trauma that these institutions inflicted upon Native American communi ...
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Native American history depicted
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Clarifications
- Richard Henry Pratt was a prominent figure in the history of Native American education. He was known for his philosophy of assimilation, famously encapsulated in the phrase "Kill the Indian, and save the man." Pratt believed in forcibly removing Native American children from their cultural heritage and traditions to assimilate them into mainstream American society. His approach was influential in the establishment and operation of Native American boarding schools, where Native children were subjected to efforts to erase their indigenous identities and languages.
- The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on November 29, 1864, in Colorado Territory, when U.S. Army troops attacked and killed Cheyenne and Arapaho people, mostly women, children, and the elderly. The massacre was led by Colonel John Chivington and his troops, despite the Native Americans displaying a white flag of peace. This event was a brutal and tragic chapter in the history of Native American and settler relations, leading to widespread condemnation and Congressional investigations. The aftermath of the massacre fueled further conflicts and deep-seated animosity between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
- The brutal relocation and imprisonment of Native peoples were often driven by the U.S. government's desire to expand territories for settlement and access to resources. This expansionist agenda led to conflicts with Native tribes, resulting in forced relocations and incarcerations to clear land for non-Native settlers. Additionally, the government sought to exert control over Native populations to enforce policies aimed at assimilation and cultural erasure. Thes ...
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Urban Native experience
Tommy Orange presents a unique look at the Native American experience in cities like Oakland through his narrative in "There There," which features diverse Native characters and their interwoven stories.
Native Americans in cities like Oakland
Set in modern-day Oakland, California, "There There" is Tommy Orange’s testament to urban Native American life, full of complexity and rich with memories and history. Orange has endeavored to portray Oakland's intricacies through the lens of his characters’ experiences, bringing attention to a city that is often overlooked in literature, especially when compared against the likes of New York City.
Creating own communities and culture
Orange touches upon the theme of urban Native Americans finding connection in relocation and assimilation in city environments. While not explicitly discussing community creation in this selection, ...
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Urban Native experience
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Clarifications
- Tommy Orange's novel "There There" delves into the lives of urban Native Americans in Oakland, exploring themes of identity, community, and the impact of historical trauma on individuals. The book weaves together the stories of various characters, each grappling with their Native heritage in a contemporary urban setting. Through its narrative, "There There" sheds light on the complexities of Native experiences in cities and the struggle to maintain cultural connections in a rapidly changing world. Orange's work challenges stereotypes and offers a poignant reflection on the resilience and diversity of urban Native communities.
- Urban Native American life in cities like Oakland encompasses a complex blend of traditional cultural practices and contemporary urban challenges. This includes issues related to identity, community building, and the preservation of Native heritage within an urban setting. The experiences of Native Americans in cities like Oakland often involve navigating a balance between maintaining their cultural roots and adapting to the dynamics of city life. Tommy Orange's portrayal in "There There" sheds light on the multifaceted nature of urban Native American experiences, highlighting the unique struggles and triumphs faced by this community.
- Intertribal communities among urban Natives represent groups where individuals from v ...
Counterarguments
- While Tommy Orange's "There There" offers a unique perspective, it is one of many narratives, and other authors may provide different insights into the urban Native American experience.
- The portrayal of urban Native American life in "There There" is rich and complex, but it may not capture the full diversity of experiences across different cities and tribes.
- The novel's focus on Oakland may highlight an often-overlooked city in literature, but it could also be argued that other cities with significant Native populations also deserve similar attention and representation.
- The theme of finding connection in relocation and assimilation may not resonate with all urban Native Americans, as some may experience greater disconnection or struggle with identity in urban settings.
- The formation of intertribal communities within cities, as depicted in the novel, might oversimplify the challenges and conflicts that can arise when different cultures and trad ...
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Themes in Tommy Orange's works
Tommy Orange’s literature delves deeply into the struggles and realities of Native American life, exploring themes such as historical trauma, addiction, identity, and the balance between assimilation and cultural maintenance.
Historical trauma
Orange highlights historical trauma by drawing parallels between mass shootings and the violent history that Native people have endured. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the weight and pain of Native history, acknowledging its significant impact on the lives of indigenous communities.
Addiction and substance abuse
In his works, the theme of addiction is a conduit to display the struggles within Native communities. Orange addresses this issue with nuance and compassion, exemplifying how it has impacted him personally and the need to represent it authentically.
Identity and authenticity issues
The complexity of Native American identity is a central theme in Orange's writing. He delves into the internal conflicts around authenticity and the pressures of external validation within the Native communities.
Assimilation vs maintaining culture
Orange tackles the theme of assimilation versus maintaining indigenous culture, particularly through the historical narrative of Native American b ...
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Themes in Tommy Orange's works
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Historical trauma in Native American communities stems from centuries of colonization, forced displacement, and cultural genocide, leading to deep-seated intergenerational trauma. This trauma manifests in various forms, impacting mental health, social structures, and cultural practices within indigenous populations. Understanding historical trauma is crucial for acknowledging the ongoing struggles and resilience of Native communities in the face of systemic injustices. Addressing historical trauma involves recognizing the lasting effects of colonization and implementing culturally sensitive approaches to healing and empowerment.
- In Native communities, addiction issues are complex due to historical trauma, cultural disconnection, and limited access to resources. Substance abuse often stems from intergenerational trauma and the loss of cultural practices that once provided resilience. Addressing addiction requires understanding its roots in historical injustices and the ongoing challenges faced by Native individuals and communities. Tommy Orange's portrayal of addiction in his works reflects these multifaceted struggles within Native communities.
- Native American identity and authenticity struggles encompass the challenges faced by individuals in defining their cultural identity within and outside their communities. This includes navigating the complexities of traditional practices, language preservation, and the impact of historical trauma on self-perception. The pressure to conform to external expectations while staying true to one's heritage can create internal conflicts and a constant negotiation of what it means to be authentically Native American. These struggles are often shaped by a history of colonization, forced assimilation policies, and ongoing societal misconceptions about Native identities.
- Native American boarding schools were institutions established in the 19th and 20th centuries by the U.S. government with the aim of assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture. These schools enforced policies that prohibited Native languages, traditions, and cultural practices, aiming to eradicate indigenous identities. The boarding schools had a profound and lasting impact on Native communities, leading to intergenerati ...
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