Lecture Notes: Chapter 26 - Locks Mean Nothing to Ghosts

Key Characters

• Derek, Rose, Clarence, Bullet: Main protagonists involved in the current mission.
• Meg: Decides to stay back at the last minute.
• Father Figures: Narrator acknowledges the luck of having two fathers in tough times.
• Riri: Mentioned in passing, associated with narrator's memories.

Mission Overview

• Objective: Locate a group before it gets dark to avoid losing track or being discovered.
• Environment: Windy, gray day causing issues with visibility due to mud and moisture.

Encounter

• Camp Discovery: Four military-style tents with a small fire.
  • Camp Residents: Diverse group; includes two black women and two pale men.
  • Potential Threats: Initial aggression due to uncertainty about the group's intentions.

Key Interactions

• Initial Confrontation: Aggressive approach due to uncertainty, but no one in the camp fights back.
• Clarence's Insight: Identifies a man speaking Cree, indicating potential ally.
• Clarence & Bullet's Skepticism: Discussion on whether the man is truly an ally or a spy.

Critical Development

• Cree Language Connection: Narrator confirms the man's authenticity by asking how he dreams (in Cree).
• Alliances: Realizes that the camp members are allies mainly due to shared goals against the schools.

Conclusion

• Reunion: Isaac, the man who dreams in Cree, is recognized by Migwans, his lost love.
• Narrative Reflection: The narrator understands the power of dreams and the connections it fosters among people.

Themes

• Survival & Alliance: Importance of forming alliances for survival.
• Hope & Love: The reunion between Isaac and Migwans highlights love as a guiding force.
• Cultural Identity: The Cree language serves as a bridge to form bonds and verify authenticity.

Important Quotes

• "I dream in Cree." - Revealing the man's identity and cultural connection.
• "As long as there are dreamers left, there will never be want for a dream." - Emphasizes hope and resilience.

Study Questions

1. What role does language play in forming alliances in this chapter?
2. How does the author use environment and setting to build tension?
3. Discuss the significance of the reunion between Isaac and Migwans.