Introduction
The book mentioned above gives a continuation of the captivating autobiographical aspects of Charles Eastman. It tells the story right from his Indian boyhood, to his years while in school and lastly his life as a medical doctor. As a result, he becomes one of the best known and highest paid Indians at the time. Notably, he devoted his entire life to government service by providing assistance to his fellow Indians so that they may sufficiently adapt to the ways of the white world while at the same time maintaining their culture. It is on this basis that the following article will present a discussion detailing the thesis, symbolism and the contributions towards scholarship as will be analyzed from the work.
The first pronounced thesis is the idea of assimilation which is basically the acquisition of the psychological, as well as, social characteristics of another group. Eastman had been against the total assimilation of Indians into the practices of the white people. In fact, it is believed that the differences in the ways of thinking between Eastman and his wife Elaine culminated to their separation. This was because Elaine made extreme emphasis on the need to assimilate the Native Americans into the ways of the dominant society and, as a result, tried dominating the views of her husband. Eastman, on the other hand, favored a form of cultural pluralism whereby the Indians would just interact with the dominant group in the society while using only those positive elements that are beneficial to them. They would, however, retain their traditional beliefs, their customs and also their Indian identity.
The other important thesis is identity. Throughout the book, Charles Eastman appears to be concerned about the idea of identity as he had always wanted the Indian people to retain their identities in spite of the societies they lived in. In fact, he asserts that even though he succeeded in becoming an educated person, he realized that it had the potential of coming at a cost. This was particularly because when one loses his traditions, as well as, cultures, he would also lose his identity not just as an Indian person but as a part of the larger society. It is for this aspect that he set out in a bid to interpret the identity of the Indians to the otherwise broad white readership that he enjoyed. He, thus advocated for the retention of the Indian identities. ("Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) Resource Page - Biography, Photos, Slideshows, Links")
Lastly, sovereignty has also come out as a significant theme in the book. This is basically the will to exude a supreme power or just authority over oneself. Notably, it was not only Eastman who had wanted this sovereignty but also the entire Indian populations required the recognition of their full rights. There was, as a result, an immense critique of the American politics, as well as, the society in general as they were driven by greed and also materialism as opposed to the ideologies of equality, as well as, freedom as other quarters such as Charles Eastman had wanted. (Martinez) The book thus presented a barometer for the future reforms and progression of the American society.
Conclusion
Symbolism
In the book, Charles Eastman himself was a symbol of the change that the society so desired. He represented the group of individuals who had wanted complete change in the American society in the manners in which the Indian Americans and other minority groups were perceived and treated. Basically, inequality was prevalent in the nation and the aspect of racism also took center stage in the matters of the country. Eastman, as a result, represented the larger group that wanted a change in the ways of doing things in the country. Besides, his education and scholarly works were a symbol that showed that if given a chance, everyone had the potential of excelling in their fields of interest.
Contribution to scholarship
The book “From the Deep Woods to Civilization” makes immense contributions towards scholarship particularly because of the achievements of Charles who in addition to acquiring a medical degree from the University of Boston, also had a Bachelor of Science degree from Dartmouth. On top of this, he was a respected author who had several books to his name. This made him one of the most-educated people of his time. Worth noting is that his achievements contributed to scholarship because several people and particular to his Indian community looked up to him. Besides, he and other scholars had undergone through different experiences in the hands of the white man. For instance, he mentions the idea of the “great mystery” at the chapel when he was together with other scholars. (Eastman 41)
Work cited
"Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) Resource Page - Biography, Photos, Slideshows, Links." Worldwisdom.com. N.P., 2008. Web. 27 Aug. 2016.
Eastman, Charles A. From The Deep Woods to Civilization. Lincoln, Neb.: University of Nebraska Press, 1977.
Martinez, David. Dakota Philosopher. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2009.
