Answer:
"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko is set in a Pueblo Indian community, and the story revolves around the death of an elderly Native American, Teofilo. The major characters include Father Paul, Leon, Ken, and the pueblo people. When Teofilo dies, his family prepares for the funeral, but they incorporate their traditional customs rather than following the Catholic rituals. This includes adding a feathered blanket and corn pollen to his burial. Father Paul, though initially hesitant, accepts and respects their cultural practices. One major theme in the story is the clash between Native American traditions and Catholicism. A moment that reflects this theme is when Father Paul blesses the grave, acknowledging the integration of both belief systems, as shown in the passage, "He blessed the grave with holy water, then he took up a handful of the yellow earth and sprinkled it on the plain wooden casket."
For a critical theory approach, postcolonial theory would be helpful in examining the theme of cultural clash and the impact of colonialism on indigenous traditions. This theoretical framework allows for an exploration of power dynamics, identity, and resistance in the context of cultural interaction. A passage that would lend well to this approach is when Father Paul reflects on his acceptance of the pueblo people's customs, showcasing a nuanced understanding of cultural coexistence: "Father Paul was glad to see old Teofilo being buried with all the careful ritual that seemed so important to the Indian people." This moment highlights the negotiation and coexistence of different cultural practices in the aftermath of colonization.
