This week we discussed the importance of oral traditions versus written versions of these stories. Moving into fictional stories has lead to an incredible amount of debate, which left me with many unanswered questions. Are either of these stories truly fictional? Could Poor Sarah be interpreted as survivance? What was Boudinot’s purpose for even publishing Poor Sarah?
I have always been weary of Boudinot and the Cherokee Phoenix. He originally suggested the instatement of the paper and insisted that syllabary be used, which no whites at the time cared to learn. There is a good chance that the story placed next to the english version might not line up. When his audience changes, so may his writing. When writing in english for whites, then he writes about the victimry of Native Americans, but when he “translated” the story for other natives he could have easily changed it to suit them. In this story he could appeal to either indians or whites. As we stated in class, each individual brings their own experiences and finds their own meaning in the stories they are exposed to. He could have realized this and created a story which respects both sides. He puts down Christianity saying that the character assimilated and still died, which projects the idea that assimilation means nothing. He also demonstrates to the whites that christianity gave her hope and the church acted as her safe haven resulting in a positive portrayal of whites. Boudinot also mentions that betrayal of other indians towards her: she was beaten by her family and no other native americans were even mentioned. It was a white, possibly, woman who befriended and tried to help her. I think that this story in thoroughly confusing and could be both pro-assimilation while staying true to his survivance ideals.
I agree, the story was very confusing. And for me, I really wanted to determine who wrote the story. Because if it way Boudinot, I would argue that it's purpose was for white appeasement and assimilation. However, if it were another author, I would see it as a caution to resist white influence as there is little to gain but a life toiling in misery. I think the idea of Boudinot creating two versions of this story is interesting. I wonder what his message to Indians would have been.
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