The Rainstorm
As all of the characters gather near the reservation in preparation for the Sundance, a strong rainstorm takes place. Imagery of the rain is vivid because of the inconvenience it creates for various characters, especially as it coincides with the disappearance of their cars. Alberta, for example, gets drenched and is left soaking wet and freezing. The imagery of the rain symbolizes the start of a process in which the natural world will overthrow human plans and human attempts at control. It is right after being caught in the rain that Alberta begins to show signs of pregnancy, suggesting a reclamation of her body and fertility, rather than her reliance on possible artificial means. Even if it seems only like an inconvenience, the rain is a sign that the natural world has its own plans, and thus foreshadows the natural events that will have a stronger impact later on.
The Earthquake
The huge earthquake that takes place is described using vivid imagery of sound, sight, and sensation. Readers are told of the rumbling noises, the shaking and trembling of the land, and the awe-inspiring sight of the dam bursting and the rushing water. It is a powerful event, and while the human characters like Latisha, Lionel, Dr. Hovaugh, and Clifford find the event terrifying, it seems to be greeted with glee by the elders and also by Coyote. In fact, the suggestion that it was Coyote's dancing and singing that triggered the earthquake suggests that the earthquake is not solely destructive but also a new start. The earthquake is unsettling because it involves something solid and fixed suddenly giving way, but this can also be liberating.
Portland's Dance Routine
When Portland and Charlie return to Hollywood, Portland struggles to find work and eventually ends up performing as part of an act at a strip club. Charlie watches his father's act one way and his position as a viewer allows the reader to get a strong sense of the imagery of the scene: the music and sounds of the crowd, the visual spectacle of the costumes, and the overall atmosphere of the crowded club. Charlie is profoundly uncomfortable with the imagery of the routine because it caters to racist and sexist stereotypes of Native peoples, and presents Portland in an undignified way. By being forced to consume this imagery the way a white audience member would, Charlie realizes how offensive it is and becomes aware that he and his father are being exploited.
Dr. Hovaugh's Garden
Dr. Hovaugh's garden is presented with detailed imagery to evoke its beauty, tranquility, and lushness. This imagery suggests that he is a good and conscientious caretaker, who might be equally attentive to his patients, and therefore helps to suggest that he is potentially sympathetic character. This is important because it is often unclear what kind of person Dr. Hovaugh is. At the same time, the imagery of the garden is also imagery of nature being contained and controlled through man-made efforts, not simply allowed to thrive and flourish. The garden imagery evokes the unpleasant God figure in the first creation story, and also suggests that while Dr. Hovaugh might take good care of the elders, he is also trying to control them.
