# The Final Struggle explained — Geronimo’s Story of His Life

> Chapter companion for Geronimo’s Story of His Life by Geronimo.

## What happens

Geronimo recounts the final phase of his resistance, including his decision to remain in Mexico, constant skirmishes with U.S. and Mexican troops, the breaking of his band into small groups, and his eventual treaty with General Miles. He describes the terms offered by Miles and his reluctant agreement, which he later feels was broken.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resistance and Survival

Geronimo's band continues to fight and evade capture despite overwhelming odds.

### Betrayal and Broken Treaties

Geronimo expresses distrust of General Miles and later feels the treaty was violated.

### Injustice and Oppression

Geronimo describes being wronged by U.S. officers and the unjust treatment of his people.

## Character check-ins

### Geronimo

Narrator and protagonist; leads a small band, negotiates treaty with General Miles.

### General George Crook

Mentioned as having given unjust orders; Geronimo believes his death was divine punishment.

### General Nelson A. Miles

Commander who makes treaty with Geronimo; promises protection, land, and supplies.

### Captain Lawton

Leads troops that trail Geronimo; his scouts facilitate the meeting with Miles.

### Porico

Geronimo's brother, sent as messenger to Fort Bowie to negotiate with General Miles.

### Mr. George Wratton

Accompanies Porico to Fort Bowie to deliver Geronimo's message.

## Key lines

> We were reckless of our lives, because we felt that every man’s hand was against us.

We no longer cared if we lived or died, since everyone seemed to be our enemy.

_Geronimo describes the desperation of his band during the final struggle._

> Our treaty was made by this stone, and it was to last until the stone should crumble to dust; so we made the treaty, and bound each other with an oath.

We sealed our agreement with a stone as a symbol that it would last forever, and we swore to uphold it.

_Geronimo describes the ceremonial oath taken during the treaty with General Miles._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xvii-the-final-struggle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters