# The Cherokee explained — Magnolia Leaves

> Chapter companion for Magnolia Leaves by Mary Weston Fordham.

## What happens

A Cherokee warrior mourns the loss of his homeland and loved ones as he reflects on the betrayal by the Pale Face, ultimately finding solace in the hope of reuniting with his bride in the Great Spirit's hunting ground.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grief and Mourning

The warrior mourns the loss of his loved ones, his bride 'Raven Wing,' and his homeland.

### Nature and the Sublime

The natural setting—the cloudless morn, dewdrops, hills, and forest—frames the warrior's meditation.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator describes the scene and the warrior's lament.

### the Reaper Death

Death is referenced through the fallen warriors and children.

## Key lines

> He gazed around. O! a wistful gaze Saddened his upturned brow, As he thought of those he’d fondly loved, Of those now laid so low.

He looked around with a longing, sorrowful expression, remembering the loved ones who had died.

_Highlights the warrior's grief and memory of the deceased._

> So now, my own, dear, sunny land, Each, woodland and each dell, Once the Indian’s home, now the Indian’s grave, I bid a last farewell.

Now I say goodbye to my beloved sunny land, where every forest and valley that was once the Indian's home has become his grave.

_Emphasizes the loss of homeland and the transformation of home into burial ground._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/magnolia_leaves_se/chapters/the-cherokee
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/magnolia_leaves_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/magnolia_leaves_se/chapters