Eagle as a symbol of Courage
The eagle in the tribe of Dakota represents traits such as loyalty, obedience and courage. Most of the warriors in the book wore head-dress of eagle plumes to show their courage and confidence. Eagles have also been used to represent the quality of being keen and observant. They admired the qualities of an eagle and therefore associated themselves with it. It was their sacred emblem which they revered and wore with pride.
Beads as a symbol of Beauty
Beads have been used to represent beauty, class and the culture of the Dakota people. They made clothes and then made a finishing with beads of different colors. Things made using beads were seen to be adorable and beautiful often gifted to the royal people. In the book, Impressions of an Indian Childhood Zitkala-sa says,” I felt the envious eyes of my playmates upon the pretty red beads decorating my feet.” She knew that having moccasins made of beads would make her playmates envy her.
Iktomi as a symbol of Manipulation and Greed
Iktomi has been used to signify manipulation and greed. Iktomi was known for his selfishness and drive to achieve whatever he wanted at all costs. In the story about Iktomi and the Ducks, he tricks them into closing their eyes while he is singing whereas slaughtering them one by one. In the story about Iktomi and the fawns, he pleads with the peacock to change him into a peacock and when he is transformed, he breaks the condition under which he was transformed. It shows how he is greedy and is not content with what he has. He cannot be trusted to keep his word either.
Suffering as a motif
In the mission schools, the American Indian children are forced to learn Christianity, their hair is cut short, and they are made fun of by others. Zitkala-sa also narrates how the pale-faced made them lose their brother and uncle by pushing them into the reserves. Most of the suffering undergone by the characters in the compilation is caused by the pale-faced.
Christianity versus The Great Spirit as a motif
Christianity is taught in the mission schools and the American Indian children are forced to learn the Bible. While the others come back from the missionary schools having embraced Christianity, Zitkala-sa on the contrary came back feeling allegiance to the Sioux Great Spirit. The Soft-Hearted Sioux chased away the medicine man who was treating his father as he felt he was poisoning his father’s soul with his medicine. He only believed in God’s healing power and not Sioux’s spirits or herbs. There was a division of religion as some felt those that embraced Christianity were traitors to their Great Spirit.
