Contemporary American Indian Voices

Question 1

In the Catholic tradition, the Lamb represents Jesus. What does the image of the Lamb above the priest’s door symbolize?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: The Lamb symbolizes the traditions of the Catholic Church in contrast to Pueblo traditions.

Question 2

What do the bells from the king of Spain symbolize?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The bells symbolize the Spanish influence on Pueblo traditions.

Question 3

What other red item or element might be connected to the red light in the west?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

blanket, red blanket, the red blanket

Question 4

Which type of figurative language is included in this passage?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: simile

Question 5

What does the holy water symbolize for Father Paul? What does the holy water symbolize for Leon?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Selection 1: the Catholic burial tradition; Selection 2: the Pueblo burial tradition

Question 6

The holy water in the story is symbolic. How does the meaning differ for the priest and Leon? Use examples from the text as you explain how both men view the holy water.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

In Leslie Marmon Silko's story, the holy water represents the clash and coexistence of two different belief systems. For Leon and his family, the holy water is a traditional tool used to ensure that the deceased, Teofilo, will not be thirsty and will be able to 'send rain clouds' to the community. Leon’s request for the water is practical and rooted in Pueblo culture, rather than a desire for a Catholic ritual. Conversely, for Father Paul, the holy water is a sacred Christian symbol used for the final rites of burial and the salvation of the soul. He is initially hesitant to provide it because the proper Catholic ceremonies were not performed, viewing it through the lens of church dogma. Ultimately, the water serves as a bridge between the two cultures, even though each man interprets its purpose very differently.

Question 7

What does the “faint red light from the west” symbolize?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: the spirit of the old man in the red blanket

Question 8

Based on the figurative language, what object is being used as a symbol?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: water

Question 9

Question 9

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 10

Which of the following did you include in your answer? Check any of the boxes that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: the meaning of holy water in Catholic tradition; B: the meaning of water in Pueblo tradition; C: the contrast between the two cultures; D: why the water was meaningful to both groups

Contemporary American Indian Voices Answers

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