Notes on "The White Wampum" by E. Pauline Johnson

Introduction

• Title: The White Wampum
• Author: E. Pauline Johnson
• Release Date: September 5, 2016
• Languages: English
• Credits: Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Chuck Greif, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

Overview

• The book is a collection of poems that incorporate the spirit of Native American traditions and reflections.
• It is dedicated to Johnson’s parents who taught her the spirit of the verses.

Key Themes & Poems

Ojistoh

• A poem about Ojistoh, the wife of a proud Mohawk warrior.
• Themes of loyalty, bravery, cultural identity, and defiance against adversity.

As Red Men Die

• Captivity, bravery, and resistance of a proud Mohawk chief.
• The themes revolve around honor, death, and cultural conflict.

The Pilot of the Plains

• A story of love, longing, and the mystical guidance from the spirit world.
• Reflection on cultural misunderstanding and tragic love.

The Cattle Thief

• Discusses the conflict between settlers and native populations.
• Themes of survival, identity, and injustice against Native Americans.

A Cry from an Indian Wife

• An Indian wife’s lament and internal conflict about war and peace.
• Considers the impact of colonialism and the struggle for freedom.

Dawendine

• A narrative of love, sacrifice, and the quest for peace.
• Explores themes of loyalty and cultural negotiations.

Wolverine

• A personal story from Johnson’s life about survival and unexpected friendships with Native Americans.

The Vagabonds

• Commentary on identity and the longing for familiar places.

The Song My Paddle Sings

• Celebrates the beauty and adventure of canoeing through Canadian landscapes.

The Camper

• Describes the solitude and serenity of camping under the northern skies.

At Husking Time

• Captures rural life and the interactions of nature during harvest.

Workworn

• Reflections on hardship, gratitude, and the joy found in simple pleasures.

Easter

• A reflection on the transition from Lent to Easter and the associated renewal of spirit.

Erie Waters

• Paints a vivid picture of the dynamic and lively waters of Lake Erie.

The Flight of the Crows

• Symbolic of freedom, movement, and the mystery of nature.

Moonset

• A contemplative piece about the night sky and the passage of time.

Notable Quotes & Reflections

• "As wampums to the Redman, so to the Poet are his songs..."
• Johnson weaves personal and cultural narratives, creating poetry that reflects both individual and collective identities.

Context & Cultural Significance

• E. Pauline Johnson, with a Mohawk heritage, integrates her cultural background into her work.
• The poems reflect not just personal experiences but also broader issues of Native identity, colonialism, and cultural perseverance.

Final Thoughts

• "The White Wampum" is a significant work in Canadian literature, revealing the unique voice and perspective of E. Pauline Johnson.
• It emphasizes themes of identity, nature, and the complex relationship between the indigenous peoples and the settlers.