Crow Testament- Sherman Alexie

 

1. Introduction

Sherman Alexie, a Spokane/Coeur d’Alene tribal member, uses his poetry to highlight the struggles of Native Americans, focusing on themes such as identity, survival, and the complexities of modern life on reservations. "Crow Testament" is one of his most evocative poems, written in seven sections. Through the metaphor of the crow, Alexie captures the hardships and injustices endured by Native Americans, both in the past and present. The crow, representing the Native population, is a symbol of suffering, survival, and the deep, unhealed wounds caused by colonization and its aftermath.

2. Background of the Poem

"Crow Testament" is a reflection on the history of Native American oppression and resilience. The crow, used as a metaphor throughout the poem, serves as an embodiment of the Native American experience. Alexie draws on biblical imagery and Native American symbolism to explore the social, cultural, and economic challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. The poem, divided into seven sections, reflects on themes of betrayal, survival, faith, destruction, and the cyclical nature of suffering. Through the crow’s journey, Alexie invites the reader to understand the multifaceted struggles of Native Americans, making it a poignant commentary on their history and present-day existence.

3. Line-by-Line Summary

Section One
In the first section, Alexie opens with a biblical reference to Cain and Abel, where Cain uses the crow as a weapon to kill Abel. This metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the crow representing the Native American population. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of Crow’s mistreatment, symbolizing the beginning of an ongoing oppression that will last for generations.

Section Two
The second section expands on Crow’s suffering, as the “white man” is portrayed as a falcon, swooping down and taking from Crow. The image of the falcon emphasizes the cunning and ruthless nature of the colonizers. Crow’s lamentation about not being able to flee the country speaks to the entrapment and inescapable fate of Native Americans, who are continually subject to the exploitation and violence of colonization.

Section Three
Here, Alexie explores the absurdity of worshipping a deity that resembles oneself, with “The Crow God” mirroring the crows that worship him. This section critiques the vanity and selfishness inherent in the creation of gods that reflect the dominant culture, symbolized by the white man. The critique underscores the commodification of religion and the irony of worshipping an image that is familiar and self-serving.

Section Four
This section references the Battle of Jericho, where the Israelites destroy the city, symbolizing the destruction of Native American cultures and communities by the arrival of white settlers. The “ashes of Jericho” symbolize the death and destruction that have shaped Native American identity, and the blood-soaked nests represent the inherited violence and loss faced by future generations.

Section Five
Crow's internal struggles are depicted here, as he fights against himself, symbolizing the divisions within the Native American community. The “raining feathers” metaphorically represents the violence and discord caused by internal conflicts, highlighting the destructive impact of division and infighting on the already marginalized community.

Section Six
The speaker now brings the narrative into the present day, where Crow flies around the reservation collecting empty beer bottles. This section addresses the contemporary struggles of Native Americans, particularly the widespread issue of alcoholism, which is exacerbated by systemic poverty and the legacy of colonization. The futile effort of collecting bottles one at a time illustrates the slow, painful struggle for survival and redemption.

Section Seven
In the final section, Crow rides into a powwow on a pale horse, symbolizing death, as portrayed in the Book of Revelations. This image of Crow as Death reflects the inevitability of suffering and the apocalyptic reality that many Native Americans feel they are living in. However, the absence of panic in the crowd at the powwow signifies a deep acceptance of this fate, a tragic understanding that the cycle of suffering is endless.

4. Themes

a. Oppression and Injustice
A dominant theme in "Crow Testament" is the oppression of Native Americans. Through the figure of Crow, Alexie paints a grim picture of the continuous exploitation and abuse of Indigenous peoples. The crow's journey through the poem symbolizes the long history of suffering faced by Native Americans due to colonization and the continued exploitation by the white man.

b. Survival and Resilience
Despite the overwhelming suffering, "Crow Testament" also underscores the resilience of Native Americans. Crow’s ability to survive, even in the face of adversity, reflects the strength and endurance of Indigenous cultures. The ongoing struggle for survival is depicted as a part of the Native American experience, yet the poem also speaks to the unbroken spirit of the community.

c. Cultural Destruction and Legacy
The poem highlights the destructive forces that have ravaged Native American communities, including the loss of land, culture, and identity. Alexie portrays this destruction through the biblical imagery of Jericho and the constant suffering faced by Native Americans. The inheritance of this suffering is passed down to future generations, symbolized by the crow’s offspring living in the blood-soaked nests.

d. Identity and Self-Reflection
Crow’s internal conflicts in the poem symbolize the crisis of identity faced by Native Americans. The divisions within the community, as seen in Crow fighting other crows, represent the struggle to maintain cultural integrity in the face of external pressures. Crow's self-reflection on his place in the world highlights the identity struggles that Indigenous peoples continue to experience.

5. Literary Devices

a. Metaphor
The crow is the central metaphor in the poem, symbolizing Native Americans. Crow’s journey throughout the poem represents the history and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples. Alexie uses the crow as a lens to explore issues of oppression, survival, and cultural loss.

b. Imagery
Alexie uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke strong emotional responses. The destruction of Jericho, the “blood-soaked nests,” and the image of Crow riding a pale horse all create powerful visual representations of suffering, death, and loss. These images bring the abstract themes of the poem to life.

c. Allusion
The poem is rich with biblical allusions, particularly the references to Cain and Abel, the Battle of Jericho, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. These allusions draw parallels between the suffering of Native Americans and the biblical narratives of destruction, redemption, and inevitability.

d. Symbolism
Throughout the poem, Alexie uses various symbols to represent broader concepts. The falcon symbolizes the cunning and exploitative nature of the white man, while the pale horse represents death. The beer bottles symbolize the modern struggles faced by Native Americans, such as alcoholism and poverty.

e. Irony
There is a pervasive irony in "Crow Testament," especially in the final section, where the Native American community accepts the arrival of Death without panic. The irony lies in the fact that, despite the endless suffering, there is a quiet, almost resigned acceptance of the fate that has been imposed upon them.

6. Conclusion

Sherman Alexie’s "Crow Testament" is a profound exploration of the Native American experience, using the crow as a symbol of suffering, survival, and cultural destruction. Through vivid imagery, biblical allusions, and powerful metaphors, Alexie weaves a narrative that reflects on the historical and contemporary struggles of Indigenous peoples. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of colonization and the resilience of Native Americans in the face of overwhelming adversity.