Laughing Boy · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.
Chapter 1
Introductory Note
The author provides a disclaimer that the book is a work of fiction, though it aims to be true to Navajo customs and character. All persons, incidents, and places are fictitious, and any hostility expressed by characters toward Americans arises from the plot, not the author's views.
Chapter 2
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to a beautiful Native American woman whose name he has forgotten.
Chapter 3
Laughing Boy
The chapter introduces Laughing Boy, a young Navajo man who attends a dance at Tsé Lani. He is deeply connected to his culture and traditions, and his encounter with Slim Girl, a Navajo woman who has been influenced by American ways, sets the stage for their complex relationship.
Chapter 4
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 5
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 6
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 7
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 8
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 9
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 10
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 11
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 12
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 13
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 14
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 15
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 16
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 17
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 18
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 19
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 20
V
The family council debates Laughing Boy's marriage to Slim Girl. Laughing Boy defends his wife and their life together, insisting it is the Trail of Beauty, while his relatives express concern that he is being led away from Navajo traditions.
Chapter 21
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 22
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 23
VI
Slim Girl reflects on her triumph over Laughing Boy's family and her growing power over him, contemplating whether to stay in the hogan or return to her dangerous life. She feels confident in her control over both Laughing Boy and George, and recalls an allegory about Nayeinezgani and the Hunger People, asserting her own strength and knowledge.
Chapter 24
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 25
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 26
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 27
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 28
V
The family council debates Laughing Boy's marriage to Slim Girl. Laughing Boy defends his wife and their life together, insisting it is the Trail of Beauty, while his relatives express concern that he is being led away from Navajo traditions.
Chapter 29
VII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as Slim Girl's secret relationship with George Hartshorn is revealed, leading to a confrontation between Laughing Boy and Red Man.
Chapter 30
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 31
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 32
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 33
VIII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter brings strain to their marriage as Slim Girl's past and her relationship with George Hartshorn create tension.
Chapter 34
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 35
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 36
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 37
IX
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but their happiness is shadowed by the revelation of Slim Girl's secret relationship with George, an American lover. The chapter explores the tension between their Navajo life and the outside world.
Chapter 38
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 39
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 40
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 41
Chapter X
No excerpts provided.
Chapter 42
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 43
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 44
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 45
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 46
XI
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but their happiness is shadowed by the revelation of Slim Girl's secret relationship with George Hartshorn, an American lover who provides her with money and alcohol. The chapter explores the tension between their traditional Navajo life and the corrupting influence of American society.
Chapter 47
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 48
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 49
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 50
XII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as Slim Girl's secret relationship with George Hartshorn is revealed, leading to a confrontation.
Chapter 51
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 52
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 53
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 54
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 55
V
The family council debates Laughing Boy's marriage to Slim Girl. Laughing Boy defends his wife and their life together, insisting it is the Trail of Beauty, while his relatives express concern that he is being led away from Navajo traditions.
Chapter 56
VI
Slim Girl reflects on her triumph over Laughing Boy's family and her growing power over him, contemplating whether to stay in the hogan or return to her dangerous life. She feels confident in her control over both Laughing Boy and George, and recalls an allegory about Nayeinezgani and the Hunger People, asserting her own strength and knowledge.
Chapter 57
XIII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as tensions and old habits resurface.
Chapter 58
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 59
XIV
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after their visit to his family, but the winter strains their marriage as tensions and secrets emerge.
Chapter 60
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 61
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 62
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 63
XV
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return to their home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.
Chapter 64
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 65
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 66
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 67
XVI
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return to their home after a joyful visit with his family. The chapter depicts their happiness and the strengthening of their bond, as well as Slim Girl's triumph over the family's initial reservations.
Chapter 68
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 69
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 70
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 71
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 72
XVII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after a successful visit to his family, but the winter brings strain to their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.
Chapter 73
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 74
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 75
XVIII
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter strains their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.
Chapter 76
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 77
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 78
XIX
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after visiting his family, but the winter brings strain to their marriage as Slim Girl's secret relationship with George Hartshorn is revealed, leading to a confrontation.
Chapter 79
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 80
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 81
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 82
XX
No excerpts provided for this chapter.
Chapter 83
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 84
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 85
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
Chapter 86
IV
After Slim Girl's death, Laughing Boy gathers their belongings, buries her in a cliff niche with offerings of jewelry, tools, and coins, and sacrifices her pony in a ritual act of mourning.
Chapter 87
XXI
Laughing Boy and Slim Girl return home in joy after a successful visit to his family, but the winter brings strain to their marriage as Slim Girl's secret life with George Hartshorn continues.
Chapter 88
I
Laughing Boy undergoes a four-day vigil of mourning and spiritual crisis after Slim Girl's death, grappling with guilt, loneliness, and visions, before finding a measure of peace through a sweat-bath and prayer.
Chapter 89
II
Laughing Boy travels alone across So Selah Mesa at night, feeling homesick and lonely. He chants a prayer song to comfort himself and eventually arrives at a Mountain Chant ceremony in Jaabani Valley, where he joins the people and briefly speaks with a woman about his journey and his wife.
Chapter 90
III
Laughing Boy attends a sacred Mountain Chant ceremony, witnessing traditional dances, magic, and rituals that fill him with a deep sense of peace and spiritual continuity. He reflects on his connection to the divine and his love for Slim Girl, symbolized by the gold bracelet he kisses before falling asleep.
