# Greed and Materialism in A Cycle of the West

> Theme guide for A Cycle of the West by John G. Neihardt.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/themes/greed_and_materialism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_cycle_of_the_west_se/themes