A Cycle of the West · Question
How does A Cycle of the West develop the theme of Loss and Nostalgia?
Answer
A Cycle of the West by John G. Neihardt develops Loss and Nostalgia across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
A pervasive sense of mourning for a vanishing way of life runs through the text, as both Native Americans and the early trappers lament the passing of the wilderness, the buffalo herds, and the freedom of the frontier.
The image of the forgotten, unreachable apple suggests a sense of loss and yearning for something that cannot be possessed.
Moments of remembrance for fallen comrades and longing for home contrast with the adventurous spirit, highlighting the cost of frontier life.
Fink's sentimental singing of love songs evokes a sense of lost innocence and nostalgia, both for his former self and for the past.
Evidence in the book
- To Hilda
The image of the forgotten, unreachable apple suggests a sense of loss and yearning for something that cannot be possessed.
- II: The Up-Stream Men
Moments of remembrance for fallen comrades and longing for home contrast with the adventurous spirit, highlighting the cost of frontier life.
- IV: The Net Is Cast
Fink's sentimental singing of love songs evokes a sense of lost innocence and nostalgia, both for his former self and for the past.
- VI: The Shooting of the Cup
Fink's Irish song about Nora and the men's reminiscences of home evoke a sense of loss and longing for the past.
- Vengeance
Talbeau is haunted by memories of Bill and the past, and the chapter is steeped in a sense of loss and longing for what cannot be recovered.
- IV: The Return of the Ghost
Glass is haunted by memories of Jamie and the past, as seen in the 'blue of Jamie’s eyes' and the 'chill wind sorrowed' through the frosted wood.
- V: Jamie
Hugh's search for Jamie is driven by a longing for the past and the 'golden time of Jamie's youth,' while Jamie's blindness and guilt symbolize irretrievable loss.
- The Song of the Indian Wars
Elder Sioux lament the loss of the old warrior days, saying 'the world was withered like a man grown old,' and the buffalo are vanishing.
