Several contexts exist for discussing Fallen Man. One of these is Hillerman's interest in the different attitudes that westerners, both white and Navajo, hold about the land. Some whites tend to view the land as their own possession that they can exploit financially any way they want.

Other whites in whom Hillerman expresses interest are environmentalists, who have in some previous novels been presented as hypocrites. In Fallen Man Hillerman presents a complex view of Eldon Demott, who is both an environmentalist and a murderer. Hillerman's attitudes toward Navajo views of the land, however, remain more stable in this novel. Amos Nez, Austin Maryboy, Jim Chee, and Bernie Manuelito all maintain, in various ways, a deep respect for the land around them and want to protect it.

One good way to approach the novel, therefore, would be to discuss this complex issue.

The white versus the...