November 21

Panther Part II

Previously, I mentioned Ama's panther; I had predicted we will learn about her and the Taiga traditions as we encounter the panther. Since last class, we have met the panther. Along side Omishto, we are introduced to the panther, but suddenly Ama kills the creature (Hogan 65). How can one kill such a beautiful being? After, being with the dead panther the duo picks up to go home. We soon are introduced to Diane Soto and Omishto's family. How did all find out of the killing? Did the town know like the forrest did right after Ama shot the panther or did Diane Soto? 

Ama and Omishto understand the grand event that just occurred. They killed an endangered animal. Omishto is uncomfortable, "I don't feel right in the midst of this stillness and death, and Ama knows it...I look at the sky and I am sorry to be a human" (Hogan 66). Before the hunt, I was intrigued how their traditions believed they were an animal as well as human. They were connected to another being or way of life. Stated before, Ama was a part of the panther. It makes me wonder thinking on my previous blog if Ama has forgotten her beliefs. I don't want to believe so, but why would she kill a part of herself? After the kill, Ama speaks with her friend, the panther, even though she just murdered the creature. In her defense, the creature was starving and old, but she threw away her beliefs of being connected to the Earth. 

Omishto narrates, "it seems it is the whole world that has fallen...it has fallen, this poisoned, cut world. It has fallen in a way that means this place is taken down a notch...And betrayed" (Hogan84-85). This narration Omishto speaks of lets readers reflect on what has transpired. In my opinion, we were introduced to a divided world between old and new traditions. This section has transpired into an equal level of destruction among all. Reflecting on today, do we hold any old practices? I believe we can hold onto valued traditions, for example, religion or cultural cookings; I do find it to be difficult to be swept up into modernism. It's exciting and new, which intrigues people. In relation to Power I'm baffled that Ama could destroy a creature she shared things with. She was relaxed when the police arrived. 

With the arrival of the police, it makes me wonder how they found out about the act. Who else is living among the deep trees and vines? Diane Soto was seen by Donna and Mama and Soto was said to have made a phone call. I think it's peculiar that a woman who has lived far away from town has made an adventure to town to call. Abraham Swallow was killed by an unknown force. I don't want to make any assumptions, but I'm curious of what we will learn of the Taiga land that is starting to disappear. What are the powers the tribe holds?