A Cycle of the West · Theme
Greed and Materialism
How A Cycle of the West develops Greed and Materialism.
The lust for wealth—whether from furs, gold, or land—is a central driver of the narrative, corrupting individuals and nations alike and leading to exploitation, betrayal, and environmental devastation.
Where it surfaces
- III: To the Musselshell
The trade for beaver pelts and the use of alcohol to 'lubricate the rusty wheels of trade' highlight the commercial motives driving the expedition.
- III: The Crawl
Hugh's temptation to rob the old squaw for her 'priceless spoil' of a tent, flint, steel, kettle, and knife reflects the theme of material desperation and moral conflict.
- The Song of the Indian Wars
The lust for gold drives the white invasion, described as 'the lust for gold begetting lust for gold,' and the West is portrayed as a 'siren' luring fortune-seekers.
- II: Red Cloud
The white commissioners offer presents and promises, while Man Afraid accuses them of being driven by greed for gold ('the yellow lead').
- III: The Council on the Powder
Sitting Bull criticizes white settlers as 'greedy people' who 'love for endless getting marks them fools,' highlighting the theme of materialism driving conflict.
- VIII: The Yellow God
The 'Yellow God' of gold drives a mad rush of settlers, gamblers, and dreamers, overriding treaties and destroying the land and its original inhabitants.