# II: Brush explained — The Middle Five

> Chapter companion for The Middle Five by Francis La Flesche.

## What happens

Brush wins a horse race for the narrator's father, earning his respect. Later, a mother brings her two sons to the mission school, and Brush and Frank help them settle in. The chapter also includes a visit to the narrator's home, where they witness white boys stealing pemmican from a grave, leading to a discussion about mourning customs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Identity and Assimilation

Brush's success in the horse race reflects traditional Omaha skills, while the mission school environment pressures assimilation.

### Family and Community

The mother bringing her sons to school and the narrator's family welcoming Brush highlight community bonds and family dynamics.

### Loss and Grief

Brush's orphanhood and the grave-offering custom illustrate themes of loss and remembrance.

## Character check-ins

### Me

Narrator; accompanies Brush, helps new boys, and learns about mourning customs.

### Brush

Rides in and wins a horse race; helps new boys Lester and Warren adjust to school.

### Lester

Newcomer to the mission school; helped by Brush and Frank.

### Frank La Flesche

Helps Brush with the new boys and assists in setting up their bed.

### Joseph

Mentioned as part of the Big Seven; referenced in Brush's story about having no home.

## Key lines

> Who are you, little brother?

The narrator's father asks Brush to identify himself after the race.

_Brush responds by naming his grandfather and friend, earning the father's approval._

> Tell the White-chest... that I have brought my two boys to stay here.

A mother asks Brush to tell the superintendent she has brought her sons to the mission school.

_She hopes the boys will learn to write and asks for kindness._

> I bet one of those boys will die before the year is gone.

Brush predicts that one of the white boys who stole pemmican from a grave will die soon.

_The narrator agrees, reflecting a belief in supernatural consequences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_five_se/chapters/ii-brush
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_five_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_five_se/chapters