What happens to the narrator in "Yellow Woman"--is it reality, fantasy, or something else?
I think that the Narrator does exist in reality. Yes, she was taken by a mysterious man (Silva) in the wild who sexually excited her and she didn't want to return home to her normal family and husband. She was able to experience sexual freedom if only for a little bit of time. I don't think Silva was a ka'tsina, or spirit. I think the narrator just saw that as an excuse to explain her sudden desire.
The story is about the Native American culture. "The Yellow Woman was included as a compilation of narratives in Silko's "Storytelling" mostly focused on themes centering around liberation of female sexuality. Those stories often included an encounter between a woman and a mysterious man who she would run off with.
I also think that Silko wrote this with herself in mind as The Yellow Woman. Growing up in Laguna Pueblo culture, Silko felt separated from the majority. Her family lived on the outskirts of the reservation, just like the narrator in the story. Silko was often excluded from sacred rituals and their societies.
I agree with you that the narrator does exist in reality and that she is not the Yellow Woman. Also, I believe that Silva is not a ka'tsina because a spirit would not steal and kill the innocent rancher.
ReplyDeleteWhen I answered these questions, I wrote that the story is about the narrator. But after reading yours, I think you are right that it is about the culture lol.