There There by Tommy Orange is a powerful novel that has made waves since its publication in 2018. The book follows the stories of twelve Native American characters as they prepare to attend the Big Oakland Powwow. Throughout the novel, Orange uses allegory to explore themes of identity, community, and the effects of historical trauma.
One of the most prominent allegories in There There is the use of the powwow itself. The powwow is a symbol of Native American culture and community, but it also represents the ways in which that culture has been appropriated and commodified by non-Native people. Orange uses the powwow as a metaphor for the struggles of the characters to find a sense of belonging in a world that has systematically erased their culture and identity.
Another powerful allegory in There There is the use of the character Tony Loneman. Tony was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and his physical and mental disabilities have made him an outcast in his community. However, Tony also possesses a deep understanding of the traditional stories and songs of his people. Through Tony, Orange explores the idea that even those who are marginalized and oppressed can possess a deep wisdom and understanding of their culture and history.
Author Background: Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange is an American novelist and writer from Oakland, California. He was born on January 19, 1982, and is a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. Orange earned a master’s degree in fine arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Orange’s debut novel, There There, was published in 2018 and was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize. The book follows a large cast of Native Americans living in the Oakland, California area and contains several essays on Native American history and identity. The characters struggle with a wide array of challenges, ranging from depression and alcoholism to unemployment, fetal alcohol syndrome, and more.
Orange’s writing is known for its exploration of what it means to be a Native American living in modern America. He has spoken about the importance of writing from a Native American perspective and the need for Native Americans to tell their own stories. Orange has also discussed the challenges of being a Native American writer, including the pressure to represent an entire culture and the difficulty of finding a platform to share his work.
Overview of ‘There There’
‘There There’ is a novel by Tommy Orange that was published in 2018. The book tells the story of twelve Native American characters who are all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow. The novel is set in Oakland, California, and explores themes of identity, community, and the historical trauma of Native people.
The novel is structured around a series of interconnected stories that weave together to form a larger narrative. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, and the stories are linked by the theme of the powwow.
‘There There’ is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of Native American identity in the modern world. The book is a powerful allegory for the experiences of Native people in America, and it offers a nuanced and insightful look at the challenges that they face.
The Significance of the Title ‘There There’
The title of Tommy Orange’s novel, ‘There There,’ is a reference to a quote by Gertrude Stein, an American author who grew up in Oakland but settled in France. When Stein returned to her childhood home of Oakland after many years and found it much changed, she wrote: “There is no there there.” This quote spoke to Orange in terms of “the idea of having a place that is yours – land that you belong to, that belongs to you.”
The title of the novel is significant because it speaks to the idea of displacement and the loss of cultural identity that many Native Americans have experienced. The phrase “there there” is often used to comfort someone who is upset or in pain, but in the context of the novel, it takes on a different meaning. It suggests that there is no comfort or solace to be found in the places that Native Americans call home.
The novel explores the lives of a large cast of Native Americans living in the Oakland, California area, many of whom struggle with issues such as depression, alcoholism, unemployment, fetal alcohol syndrome, and more. The title of the novel serves as a reminder that these struggles are not just personal, but are connected to a larger history of displacement, colonization, and cultural erasure.
Allegorical Elements in ‘There There’
Urban Native American Identity
There There by Tommy Orange explores the complexities of urban Native American identity. The novel depicts the struggles of Native Americans who are disconnected from their cultural roots and are trying to find their place in a society that does not recognize their existence. Through the characters, Orange highlights the challenges that urban Native Americans face in maintaining their cultural identity while navigating the modern world.
Generational Trauma and Healing
Another allegorical element in There There is the theme of generational trauma and healing. The novel portrays the lasting impact of historical trauma on Native American communities and the ways in which it affects the lives of individuals. The characters in the novel are all grappling with the legacy of colonialism and the resulting trauma, which has been passed down through generations. However, the novel also offers glimpses of hope and healing, as the characters find ways to come to terms with their past and move forward.
The Role of Storytelling
The role of storytelling is a crucial allegorical element in There There. The novel emphasizes the importance of storytelling in Native American culture and the ways in which it can be used to preserve cultural traditions and pass down knowledge from one generation to the next. Through the characters, Orange shows how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and for reclaiming cultural identity. The novel itself can be seen as a form of storytelling, as Orange weaves together the stories of different characters to create a larger narrative about the experiences of urban Native Americans.
Character Analysis and Allegory
Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield
Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield is a complex character in There There. She is a recovering alcoholic who works in a substance abuse prevention program for Native Americans. Opal is also the sister of Jacquie Red Feather, Blue’s birth mother, and grandmother to Orvil, Loother, and Lony, all born to her deceased second daughter. Opal’s character represents the struggles and challenges that many indigenous people face, including addiction, loss, and trauma.
Dene Oxendene
Dene Oxendene is another important character in There There. He is a young man who is trying to make a documentary film about the experiences of Native Americans. Dene’s character represents the younger generation of indigenous people who are trying to reclaim their culture and identity. Through Dene’s character, Orange highlights the importance of storytelling and the power of media in shaping public perceptions of indigenous people.
Orvil Red Feather
Orvil Red Feather is a young boy who is trying to connect with his heritage and culture. He is the grandson of Jacquie Red Feather and the son of her deceased daughter. Orvil’s character represents the hope and resilience of the younger generation of indigenous people. Despite the challenges that he faces, including poverty and discrimination, Orvil is determined to learn about his culture and pass it on to future generations.
Themes and Motifs
Community and Belonging
One of the central themes of There There is community and belonging. The novel explores the idea that Native Americans have been systematically stripped of their cultural identity and forced into isolation from one another. However, the characters in the novel are all searching for a sense of community and belonging. They attend powwows and other cultural events, and they seek out connections with other Native Americans. Through their struggles, the characters come to realize that they are not alone and that they can find strength in their shared history and culture.
Survival and Resilience
Another important theme in There There is survival and resilience. The novel portrays the struggles that Native Americans have faced throughout history, from the violence and displacement of the past to the poverty and addiction of the present. However, the characters in the novel also demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of these challenges. They find ways to survive and even thrive, despite the odds against them. Through their stories, the novel suggests that Native Americans are a resilient people who will continue to persevere in the face of adversity.
Cultural Identity and Displacement
A third major theme in There There is cultural identity and displacement. The novel explores the idea that Native Americans have been displaced from their cultural roots and forced to assimilate into mainstream American culture. The characters in the novel struggle with their own sense of cultural identity and with the ways in which they have been cut off from their heritage. They seek to reclaim their culture and to connect with their ancestors, but they also struggle with the feeling that they are somehow “less than” because of their displacement. Through their experiences, the novel highlights the ongoing struggle for cultural identity and the importance of preserving Native American culture for future generations.
Symbolism in ‘There There’
The ‘Urban Relocation’ Program
The ‘Urban Relocation’ program is a significant symbol in ‘There There.’ The program was initiated by the US government in the 1950s to encourage Native Americans to move from reservations to urban areas. The program is a symbol of the forced assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American society. In the novel, the program is referenced as a reason for the fragmentation of Native American communities, and the loss of traditional culture and language.
The Powwow
The Powwow is a central symbol in ‘There There.’ The Powwow is a Native American gathering, where people come together to celebrate their culture and traditions. In the novel, the Powwow is a symbol of hope and unity for the Native American community. However, the Powwow also represents the ongoing struggle for identity and cultural preservation. The Powwow is a reminder that the Native American community is still fighting to maintain their traditions and way of life.
The Spider Legs
The Spider Legs are a recurring symbol in ‘There There.’ The Spider Legs represent the interconnectedness of the Native American community. They are a reminder that every member of the community is connected, and that their actions have a ripple effect on others. The Spider Legs also represent the idea that the Native American community is resilient and can adapt to change. They are a powerful symbol of the strength and unity of the Native American community.
Comparative Analysis
Comparing to Other Indigenous Works
There There is a unique novel that explores the complexities of the Native American experience. When compared to other indigenous works, such as Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony and Louise Erdrich’s Love Medicine, There There stands out for its use of multiple narrators and its exploration of urban Native American life. While these other works focus on traditional tribal life, There There delves into the struggles of Native Americans living in modern cities.
Modernism vs. Traditionalism
Tommy Orange’s There There is a modernist novel that explores the themes of identity, belonging, and displacement. The novel’s structure and style are reminiscent of modernist works such as James Joyce’s Ulysses and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. However, the novel also contains elements of traditional Native American storytelling, such as the use of oral history and the importance of community. This blend of modernism and traditionalism creates a unique and powerful narrative.
Intersection with Other Literary Allegories
There There can be read as an allegory for the Native American experience, but it also intersects with other literary allegories. For example, the novel’s exploration of identity and belonging can be compared to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, which explores the experience of being a black man in America. Additionally, the novel’s use of multiple narrators and fragmented structure can be compared to William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury. These intersections with other literary works add depth and complexity to There There’s allegorical meaning.
Critical Reception and Impact
There There has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 2018. The novel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. The book has been praised for its unique storytelling style and its exploration of the contemporary Native American experience.
Many critics have noted the allegorical nature of the novel, which uses the story of a powwow in Oakland, California to explore themes of identity, community, and the legacy of colonialism. The novel has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of Native American characters and its unflinching examination of the challenges they face in modern society.
In addition to its critical success, There There has had a significant impact on the literary world and on the broader conversation about Native American representation in popular culture. The book has been widely discussed in academic circles and has helped to raise awareness of the diversity and complexity of Native American experiences.
Discussion Questions for Further Exploration
There are many themes and ideas in “There There” that can be explored further through discussion. Here are some questions to consider:
- How does the prologue set the tone for the rest of the novel? What is the significance of the historical and cultural information included in the prologue?
- What is the role of violence in the novel? How does it affect the characters and their relationships with each other?
- How does the theme of identity play out in the novel? Which characters struggle with their identity, and how do they try to find a sense of belonging?
- Discuss the use of allegory in the novel. What do the different symbols and motifs represent, and how do they contribute to the overall meaning of the story?
- How does the novel portray the Native American experience in contemporary society? What challenges do the characters face, and how do they navigate their cultural heritage in a world that often ignores or marginalizes it?
- How does the novel explore the idea of community? What does it mean to the characters, and how do they form connections with each other despite their differences?