Yellow Woman

How does Leslie Marmon Silko use imagery in Yellow Woman?

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Both the Yellow Woman of Pueblo oral legend and the young woman of the story are confident, purposeful characters. The image of boundary or personal barrier being crossed, as opposed to being transgressed is a compelling one through out the story. Just as the legendary Yellow Woman crossed the bounds of propriety in leaving with a spirit walker, the narrator transcends the barriers of family, monogamy, geographical place and tribal culture (Pueblo / Navajo) in a short period. She does not invite any judgment upon her own actions - they are stated as fact - nor does she judge Silva, for either his physical domination of her, nor for his apparent theft of rancher's cattle.

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Yellow Woman