Short Fiction · Chapter
The Atavism of John Tom Little Bear explained
Jeff Peters recounts his partnership with John Tom Little Bear, an educated Cherokee Indian, and their scheme to run a medicine show in Kansas.
What happens
Jeff Peters recounts his partnership with John Tom Little Bear, an educated Cherokee Indian, and their scheme to run a medicine show in Kansas. The story explores the tension between John Tom's education and his reversion to tribal instincts, culminating in a violent confrontation when John Tom helps a mother recover her kidnapped son from her abusive husband.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The medicine show is a front for a swindle, and John Tom's civilized exterior masks his 'atavistic' instincts.
Ambition and Failure
John Tom's education and ambition to bridge racial divides ultimately fail, leading to a reversion to tribal ways.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Peters
Narrator and business manager of the medicine show, recounts the story to the unknown narrator.
- Unknown Narrator
Visits Jeff Peters in his room and listens to the tale of John Tom Little Bear.
- Johnny Atwood
Referred to as John Tom Little Bear, an educated Cherokee Indian and Jeff's partner in the medicine show.
Key passages
“You lasso us, and teach us what is beautiful in literature and in life, and how to appreciate what is fine in men and women. What have you done to me? You've made me a Cherokee Moses. You've taught me to hate the wigwams and love the white man's ways. I can look over into the promised land and see Mrs. Conyers, but my place is—on the reservation.”
John Tom laments that white education has made him despise his own culture while still being barred from full acceptance in white society.
Highlights the theme of cultural alienation and the failure of assimilation.
“Combined, with the interesting little physiological shakeup known as reversion to type.”
John Tom attributes his violent behavior to a temporary return to his ancestral instincts.
Explains the title's concept of atavism.