Essay Questions

What is the importance of names in the novel?

The importance of names in the novel is one of the most thematized aspects in relation to the Native American culture seen from the title itself, Four Souls, which is the name of Fleur’s mother, through to the large sections of discussions about the meaning of names in the Native American culture. Names are closely connected to the spiritual world, to the souls, spirits of the persons carrying them. In the Native American culture the soul and the name are intertwined; names being given which contain the essence of the person, and carrying on a spiritual importance throughout the life and after.

Why is Fleur Pillager the main character but not one of the narrators in the novel?

Fleur Pillager is the main character of the novel but her character is portrayed through the eyes of other people; by those close to her. The reason why Fleur isn’t one of the narrator’s in the novel is to show her loss of self, her loss of spirit throughout her choices. She fails to go through with her plan of revenge and takes on a spirit name of another person (Four Souls is the spirit name of her mother), and it is the name that takes control of her instead of it being in balance with her spirit. She falls under the influence of the world of the white man and succumbs to the vices and loses herself completely. It is only at the end, after Fleur cleanses herself and takes on a spirit name of her own, that she is finally able to be herself.

What is the final message of the novel in the last chapter called “End of the Story”?

The last chapter is narrated by Nanapush. He contemplates growing old and finally knowing the story. The story is one of pain and sorrow, but also of unavoidable change. He contemplates the passing of time which turns everything to dust, which is why being drowned by the sorrow is useless. He contemplates the state of his people and the scrap of earth they came out with, the reservation that came with a lot of pain and sorrow, but also represents hope for the continuation of existence. He doesn’t criticize change and the need of his people to leave tracks and build homes, which is against how their ancestors lives, he deems it unavoidable and necessary for their existence.