Cimarron · Chapter
Chapter XXII explained
Sabra and Yancey learn that their son Cim has married Ruby Big Elk, the daughter of Chief Big Elk.
What happens
Sabra and Yancey learn that their son Cim has married Ruby Big Elk, the daughter of Chief Big Elk. Sabra is devastated by the news but musters her composure to attend the wedding celebration at the Big Elk home, where she struggles with her emotions and eventually faints during the meal.
Themes in this chapter
Native American Dispossession
The marriage of Cim and Ruby symbolizes the ongoing cultural and racial integration, but also highlights the tension and loss of identity for both communities.
Family and Marriage
The chapter centers on the marriage of Cim and Ruby, which strains the Cravat family, particularly Sabra's sense of lineage and propriety.
Transformation and Progress
Yancey views the union as a step toward a new American identity, embracing the mixing of races as part of Oklahoma's future progress.
Characters to notice
- Sabra Cravat
Sabra is shocked and devastated by Cim's marriage to Ruby Big Elk, struggling to maintain her composure throughout the wedding festivities.
- Yancey Cravat
Yancey appears pleased with the marriage, seeing it as a symbol of Oklahoma's future, and handles the situation with charm and diplomacy.
- Cim Cravat
Cim marries Ruby Big Elk, displaying a radiant and smiling face despite his mother's distress.
- Ruby Big Elk
Ruby is the bride, exchanging a tense, sword-like gaze with Sabra and showing scornful confidence.
- Big Elk
Big Elk and his wife formally announce the marriage to Sabra and Yancey, dressed in elaborate ceremonial attire.
- Mrs. Big Elk
Mrs. Big Elk speaks English and attempts to be polite to Sabra, but her presence and the news cause Sabra great distress.
Key passages
“Big Elk and me come take you back to Wazhazhe.”
Big Elk and I have come to take you to Wazhazhe.
Mrs. Big Elk announces the wedding and invites Sabra and Yancey to the celebration.
“This is Oklahoma. In a way it's what I wanted it to be when I came here twenty years ago.”
This is the Oklahoma I dreamed of when I first arrived twenty years ago.
Yancey expresses his approval of the marriage as a fulfillment of his vision for the state.
“I hope I shall die before that day.”
I hope I die before that day comes.
Sabra responds bitterly to Yancey's optimistic view of their grandchildren's future.