Skeleton Man | Themes

Skeleton Man Themes

Relative Cultural and Individual Values

The theme of the relative values of different cultures is present in virtually every chapter of Skeleton Man. Native American cultures are portrayed as rich in their appreciation of the wonders of nature. They believe in a world in which man neither dominates nor fears the parched lands, violent storms and untamed rivers, but lives in close harmony with that which is controlled by unseen forces. The white man is portrayed as naïve, crass and almost comical in his arrogance toward nature and his attempts to control it. The white man is viewed as a strong but bumbling child or puppy given to foolish behaviors and temper tantrums. The inherent respect of the Hopi and Navajo for all things natural, and for all cultures, prevents outright condemnation of the white man, but it does permit some serious head shaking and eye rolling.

Differing Perspectives

Perspective is the lens through which people view...
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