Cogewea, the Half-Blood · Chapter
XXIV: The Second Coming of the Shoyahpee explained
The Stemteemä summons Jim to her teepee, expressing her distrust of Densmore and her desire to protect Cogewea from a white man she believes will abandon her.
What happens
The Stemteemä summons Jim to her teepee, expressing her distrust of Densmore and her desire to protect Cogewea from a white man she believes will abandon her. She recounts the story of the first Shoyahpee (white men) who came to her tribe, revealing how her aunt was betrayed and how her people were deceived by the white men's supposed divinity. Jim agrees to help guard Cogewea, and they decide to let events unfold for the present.
Themes in this chapter
Racial Prejudice and Ostracism
The Stemteemä's deep-seated distrust of white men stems from historical betrayals, reflecting the racial prejudice and ostracism faced by Native Americans.
Cultural Conflict and Preservation
The grandmother's desire for Cogewea to marry within her own kind highlights the conflict between preserving cultural identity and the influence of white settlers.
Betrayal and Deception
The story of the first Shoyahpee reveals how the tribe was deceived into believing the white men were gods, leading to the betrayal of the Stemteemä's aunt.
Characters to notice
- Stemteemä
Seeks Jim's help to protect Cogewea from Densmore, sharing her deep-seated distrust of white men and recounting the tragic story of her aunt's betrayal.
- LaGrinder
Summoned by the Stemteemä, he listens to her concerns and agrees to help watch over Cogewea, though they decide to let events drift for now.
- Cogewea
The object of the Stemteemä's concern; her relationship with Densmore is the source of the grandmother's distress.
- Alfred Densmore
The 'Shoyahpee' whom the Stemteemä distrusts, believing he will cast Cogewea aside for a white woman.
- Mary McDonald
Leads Jim to the teepee and fills the Stemteemä's pipe during the conversation.
- Julia Carter
Mentioned as the older sister who seems indifferent to the Stemteemä's concerns, having married a white man herself.
Key passages
“I do not like this Shoyahpee, who tries to steal my Cogewea from me and my people. I want her to marry someone of her own kind and class.”
The grandmother expresses her disapproval of Densmore, wanting Cogewea to marry within their own community.
Highlights the cultural conflict and desire for preservation.
“My aunt fell victim to the first Shoyahpee who came to our tribe. The daughter of a Chief, she died of heart-grief.”
The grandmother recounts how her aunt was betrayed by a white man, leading to her death from sorrow.
Illustrates the historical trauma and betrayal theme.