How does Pollock present the relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull? Which of the two has more power in this relationship? Why?
21 comments:
Anonymous
said...
In the initial meeting between Walsh and Sitting Bull, it may first appear that Walsh has control of the situation he is placed in because of both the unwavering authority and compassion he is able to display to the Sioux. However, on another level it is possible to perceive Sitting Bull as the character in power. Because Walsh seems to have this inner obligation to keep peace with Sitting Bull and the Sioux, many of his major decisions will depend on Sitting Bull's actions. Therefore, despite this initial sense of authority you get from Walsh, much of his internal conflict involving his roles of White Forehead Chief vs. Major Walsh, aswell as his actions will be determined by the decisions of Sitting Bull.
Pollock presents the relationship and Sitting Bull to many angles. As a friendly, Walsh plays a role of a companion yet as an RCMP he is forced to do actions that he as a friend would regret. In their relationship, Walsh seems to struggle to define himself and his character is fairly shady. As a reader I found that both Sitting Bull and Walsh have control over the situation to some extent. I feel they both value their friendship and see past just their skin colors.
In my own opinion, I do not think that either have power over one another. As much, this is a rather poorly worded question. "Power" is much too ambiguous... so I will assume that you mean the one who has most influence upon the decisions of the other.
Both Walsh and Sitting Bull are willing to take a backseat to each other. Walsh has to fight between his “white” and “Sioux” characteristics and does not want to jeopardize the life of the Sioux, while Sitting Bull trusts “white forehead chief” enough to give him the right to decide what is best for the Sioux. In the end however, Walsh gives his loyalty to Sitting Bull and vows to support any decision he makes. So in this way, you could suppose that Sitting Bull holds the “power” to decide.
Having played Walsh and taken a look at what motivates him and makes him say what he says and do what he does, i feel that i am justified in saying what i will say shortly.
Walsh is probably quite worried about his talk with Sitting Bull, having just recieved word from Ottowa that he is not allowed to provide Sitting Bull and his people any assistance, and that he must forbid him from aiding the Nez Perce. So he comes in to talk to Sitting Bull, already a little bit worried. Then when Sitting Bull talks about how his friend Crazy Horse was betrayed by the Americans, this only makes him more nervous inside. However, instead of an ancy little Walsh, we see a calm, collected, in control Walsh. Obviously, although his is quite worried, he puts up a front of knowing exactly what he is doing. It is his self-command which allows him to stay calm throughout everything, including when Sitting Bull flares up at him. It is because of this self-command and common sense that Walsh portrays that Sitting Bull eventually agrees to do as Walsh suggests, finally seeing that it is the best he can do for his people. Sitting Bull is all full of rightous anger, but as he always does, he keeps it tightly reigned in and controlled. So, i see these two as both having power over the other, and i find it very difficult to say whether one character clearly has power over the other.
When discussing who has more power, one must also look at what type of power it exactly is. For example on a political scale, Walsh does have more power over Sitting Bull, as he already told Sitting Bull the consequences of his actions if he were to leave to aid the Nez Perce in crossing the border. The Canadian government will let the American Cavalry into Canada in order to drive the Sioux out, which will eventually lead to the death of all of the Natives who have taken refuge at Fort Walsh. In other words, Sitting Bull would simply be delaying the inevitable downfall of his people if he were to aid the Nez Perce at this point, despite the fact that it is true that the Americans could take a portion of what would be Canada, although I’m assuming Sitting Bull doesn’t exactly know that. Next on a scale of raw strength or man power, Sitting Bull easily has more power over Walsh, as he has around 5000 Natives standing by him while Walsh only has less than 100 soldiers behind him. However in this case, the one who holds the power over the other is the one who is given the choice, and that would be Sitting Bull. Despite the fact the consequences that may occur, Walsh would simply support Sitting Bull through whatever decision he may make, although Walsh still gives Sitting Bull his advice. All in all, determining whoever holds more power over another, one must consider what type of power is being discussed.
Between Walsh and Sitting Bull, it is hard to find who happens to truly be in complete control of the situations they find themselves in. Their relationship is more along the lines of a “cause and effect” type, as it is Sitting Bull who has immediate power over Walsh, yet in the end, Walsh is placed into a position of power that is directly related to the decisions of Sitting Bull. Both have significant levels of power in their circumstances, yet both come hand in hand; one’s power varies depending on how the other chooses to exercise their power over the first individual. Simply put, Sitting Bull would appear to have the greater amount of power, yet, it is the lack of action from Walsh that gives him this power. So really, both are influenced by each other’s choices, creating a fluctuating relationship in terms of power.
The relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh is not about power but about respect and moving past cultural differences. However, in different situations, Pollock gives the power to different characters, sometimes it's Sitting Bull and sometimes it's Walsh. The main point Pollock is trying to get across to the audience is not the power struggle between Walsh and Sitting Bull, but how the overlook their differences and learn to trust and respect each other. For example, the exchange between Walsh and Sitting Bull on page 47-48 doesn't show either one of them being put in a position of power. Obviously, Sitting Bull controls the topic of conversation and as Alex said he has more man power, but the Canadian government has given Walsh power to deal with Sitting Bull. I think Alex was right when he said that "determining whoever holds more power over another, one must consider what type of power is being discussed". Walsh legally has power over Sitting Bull but can forcefully have power over Walsh considering the size of the Sioux tribe. There are times in the play however, when one side has more power than the other. Usually it's because the other side gives the former this power. For example, on pages 53-59, Sitting Bull is giving Walsh power on deciding if the Sioux should help the Nez Perces and if they should meet with General Terry. This is not forced nor is it to acknowledge Walsh's political superiority over Sitting Bull, he gives Walsh the power of making such a large decision because Sitting Bull has come to trust and respect Walsh and feels that Walsh will not do anything that he feels will harm the Sioux. This is shown on page 59 when Sitting Bull says, "Yes...I can see it....Today is a sad day for me....In the past, I have risen, tomahawk in hand. I have done all the hurt to the whites that I could....Now you are here. My arms hang to the ground as if dead....I believe the Blackfoot and the Cree have judged you wisely. I will call you White Sioux and I will trust you. I will speak to General Terry...and I will deny the Nez Perces.
Polluck presents the relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh as if they are on a balance. This balance constantly shifts between the two because throughout the book it shows both of them having a sense of power that is greater than the other at some point. Such as act 1, where Sitting Bull is requested for help by the Nez Perces. This decision will affect the well being of Canada because if Sitting Bull had decided to help them it could cause America to also enter Canada. This event may even cause a war. Thus making Sitting Bull seem like he has the power. As said before the power tends to fluctuate throughout the play, because near the end, it is now Sitting Bull's turn to beg Walsh for help, but Walsh refuses and eventually pushes Sitting Bull to the floor. There for Polluck describes this relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh, like they are in need of each other, in order for the other one to fulfill their role.
The relationship is with respect for both sitting bull and Walsh. Walsh recognizes that sitting bull represents a whole tribe of people and sitting bull calls Walsh "white forehead cheif" almost accepting him as an Indian. They are both rather friendly towards one another and Sitting Bull trusts Walsh although he puts all the responsibility on Walsh's shoulders when deciding on a plan of action.
When they first meet, it is Walsh who has more power over the conversation, especially when he introduces himself as "Major James Walsh of the North West Mounted Police". His tone here indicates one of asserting authority; he is trying to show Sitting Bull who's "boss". However, when they meet again in the tent, and they become "friends", the reader can see that Sitting Bull is slowly taking control over their conversation. Walsh, wanting to retain the peace between them, speaks using a careful choice of words so as not to offend Sitting Bull. However, later on, it is Sitting Bull who has the power over the conversation. It is a bit hard to say who has more power because in their conversations, the power goes back and forth between them.
The relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull is presented by Pollock through the way they communicate with each other. At the initial stage where Sitting Bull meets Walsh, it appears that Walsh has control because Sitting Bull and the Sioux had to get permission from Walsh to stay, and to be granted ammunition, it was a decision made by Walsh as well. However, it can also be seen in a different perspective, that Sitting Bull has control because of the Sioux that was surrounding Walsh and other characters. The relationship between the two becomes better as they become better friends, however at different situations each one of them can take a different role as to who has the control. All in all, mainly Walsh has control because he’s a soldier of the Canadian government, which ultimately also has control (or should have control) over Sitting Bull and the Sioux.
The first meeting between Walsh and Sitting bull can also be viewed in as doubles, where Walsh is the an officer of the NWMP and also White forehead cheif. Sitting bull takes the role of the prospector and himself. When Walsh speaks to sitting bull as an officer he is really speaking to the prospector with his authority over him, but when he speaks to sitting bull as the white forehead chief and later the white sioux, he brings himself to an equal level with sitting bull. Although Walsh is an authority figure, he has real power over sitting bull who has the strenght of 5000 sioux behind him
Now that we have read the rest of the play. I can't agree with anyone who says that Sitting Bull has any power over Walsh. Nothing that Sitting Bull could do would effect Walsh more than the flip side where almost all desicions that Walsh makes will effect Sitting Bull and his people. If Sitting Bull decides to stay in Canada, Walsh just has to take a bit of heat from the government which isn't that big of a deal. Whereas if Walsh forced Sitting Bull back to the USA, he would be sending them to their deaths. So ultimatley Walsh has all the power between the two even if they are friendly to one another.
Pollock presents the relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull in two ways through the split in Walsh’s Character. When Walsh shows his official side of himself, it would seem Walsh has more power over Sitting Bull. The other side of Walsh demonstrates his friendship towards Sitting Bull and is given the name “White Sioux” by Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull has more power than Walsh, even though Walsh is part of the Canadian government. One of the reasons Sitting Bull has more power over Walsh is because he hands over the fate of his people to Walsh.
When we are first introduced to the characters of Sitting Bull and Walsh, we can immediately see that they are both very powerful characters. However it appears initially that Walsh is the man with the most control of this situation. It appears as though he has a position of great authority in the NWMP and that he displays compassion for the Sioux. Because of Sitting Bulls complete trust in Walsh, it is as if the fate of the Sioux lies solely in the hand of Major Walsh. This gives the impression that Walsh controls both sides, the NWMP and the Sioux. However as the play progresses and we begin to see the inner conflict develop inside of him, Walsh no longer appears as the figure of power.
At the beginning of the play, Walsh has more power over Sitting Bull because he appears to have the contol of the situation and also in their first meeting he is like puuling off a respect-me-i-have-the-power-here impression. Sitting bull is relying on Walsh and asking for 'support'--giving Walsh control and power. However, on page 54, when Walsh says "I tell you this because I am a soldier and I must follow orders, but I am a friend also. White Forehead....does not say this, Major Walsh says this" Walsh's power seems to lower and neither have power over one another. In the end, Sitting bull gains the power because Walsh feels like he needs to do something for Sitting bull. Walsh establishes that he has a responsiblity for Sitting bull therefore he respects Sitting bull's decisions and rely on it.
Walsh and Sitting bull have their first engagement on pg 47. It seems that both have power because both of them are leaders of their people, sitting bull justifies this when he raises his hand and the noise stops after he does that and walsh gives his title of "Major James Walsh of the North West Mounted Police." the stage direction under there shows who really has the power in the relationship though. Because Sitting Bull hesitates taking Walsh's handshake, it gives him the power of choosing to make the choice of acknowledging Walsh or not.
Pollock has created quite an interesting relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull, whom of which are the dominant characters in the play and the situation regarding the play. In the initial meeting between Walsh and Sitting Bull, Walsh is presented with the power to befriend the Sioux. He accepts this friendship from Sitting Bull, who has presented this option to him. Sitting Bull happens to have alot of power and authority within his people, but Walsh has more power amongst the government and regarding the situation of the Sioux. In the end, this power with the government is more useful in this situation, as Walsh's tie with the government may help the Sioux nation. That is why Walsh has more power, because Sitting Bull needs his trust and confidence, but Walsh does not need anything from Sitting Bull.
In the play, both Walsh and Sitting Bull are shown as men of great power. Both are leaders of their respective groups and both present a sense of authority when on stage.Sitting bull is presented as a very magnetic person who, even when not talking is a force to be known. Pollock gives this to the reader in stage direction. When Sitting Bull and Walsh first talk, Sitting Bull is very much in power. This is strange to the audience, because in the prologue and the play proper so far, Walsh has had command. In this scene, Walsh wants from Sitting Bull and can only take what he gives. Sitting Bull makes it clear they need no help and when the Nez Perces ask for help, Walsh can only influence Sitting Bull's decision.The next scene on pg 65 continues to show Sitting Bull's authority. He is telling Crowfoot of the great wheel as Clarence (who we know as Walsh's concience) is watching from afar. Eventually Clarence joins in and learns about the Souix belief system. This represents Sitting Bull as a teacher with great knowledge, a person to be looked up to. By having Clarence sit and listen to him, we feel Walsh is the student in this scene. He has little knowledge in the subject and needs a man like Sitting Bull to guide him the proper way. The scene on page 109 in act 2 is drastically different from the scenes in act 1. Walsh has been avoiding Sitting Bull mostly up to this point after his talk with Macleod, and now is no different. Sitting Bull is little of the man he used to be but still posesses a powerful quality to him. As Sitting Bull sets aside his pride and asks for help, he still seems somewhat in power. It is not until Walsh physically overpowers him does he show some control of the situation. As the play progresses we see the gradual shift in control, which Pollock uses to say how there was a general shift of power from the natives of Canada to the Englishmen who came to later settle it. By having Walsh only in conrtol after subduing Sitting Bull is quite representative of the American government in this time. They has such little control of the native people that they used brute force and harsh tactics to win supremacy.
21 comments:
In the initial meeting between Walsh and Sitting Bull, it may first appear that Walsh has control of the situation he is placed in because of both the unwavering authority and compassion he is able to display to the Sioux. However, on another level it is possible to perceive Sitting Bull as the character in power. Because Walsh seems to have this inner obligation to keep peace with Sitting Bull and the Sioux, many of his major decisions will depend on Sitting Bull's actions. Therefore, despite this initial sense of authority you get from Walsh, much of his internal conflict involving his roles of White Forehead Chief vs. Major Walsh, aswell as his actions will be determined by the decisions of Sitting Bull.
Pollock presents the relationship and Sitting Bull to many angles. As a friendly, Walsh plays a role of a companion yet as an RCMP he is forced to do actions that he as a friend would regret. In their relationship, Walsh seems to struggle to define himself and his character is fairly shady. As a reader I found that both Sitting Bull and Walsh have control over the situation to some extent. I feel they both value their friendship and see past just their skin colors.
In my own opinion, I do not think that either have power over one another. As much, this is a rather poorly worded question. "Power" is much too ambiguous... so I will assume that you mean the one who has most influence upon the decisions of the other.
Both Walsh and Sitting Bull are willing to take a backseat to each other. Walsh has to fight between his “white” and “Sioux” characteristics and does not want to jeopardize the life of the Sioux, while Sitting Bull trusts “white forehead chief” enough to give him the right to decide what is best for the Sioux. In the end however, Walsh gives his loyalty to Sitting Bull and vows to support any decision he makes. So in this way, you could suppose that Sitting Bull holds the “power” to decide.
Having played Walsh and taken a look at what motivates him and makes him say what he says and do what he does, i feel that i am justified in saying what i will say shortly.
Walsh is probably quite worried about his talk with Sitting Bull, having just recieved word from Ottowa that he is not allowed to provide Sitting Bull and his people any assistance, and that he must forbid him from aiding the Nez Perce. So he comes in to talk to Sitting Bull, already a little bit worried. Then when Sitting Bull talks about how his friend Crazy Horse was betrayed by the Americans, this only makes him more nervous inside. However, instead of an ancy little Walsh, we see a calm, collected, in control Walsh. Obviously, although his is quite worried, he puts up a front of knowing exactly what he is doing. It is his self-command which allows him to stay calm throughout everything, including when Sitting Bull flares up at him. It is because of this self-command and common sense that Walsh portrays that Sitting Bull eventually agrees to do as Walsh suggests, finally seeing that it is the best he can do for his people. Sitting Bull is all full of rightous anger, but as he always does, he keeps it tightly reigned in and controlled. So, i see these two as both having power over the other, and i find it very difficult to say whether one character clearly has power over the other.
When discussing who has more power, one must also look at what type of power it exactly is. For example on a political scale, Walsh does have more power over Sitting Bull, as he already told Sitting Bull the consequences of his actions if he were to leave to aid the Nez Perce in crossing the border. The Canadian government will let the American Cavalry into Canada in order to drive the Sioux out, which will eventually lead to the death of all of the Natives who have taken refuge at Fort Walsh. In other words, Sitting Bull would simply be delaying the inevitable downfall of his people if he were to aid the Nez Perce at this point, despite the fact that it is true that the Americans could take a portion of what would be Canada, although I’m assuming Sitting Bull doesn’t exactly know that. Next on a scale of raw strength or man power, Sitting Bull easily has more power over Walsh, as he has around 5000 Natives standing by him while Walsh only has less than 100 soldiers behind him. However in this case, the one who holds the power over the other is the one who is given the choice, and that would be Sitting Bull. Despite the fact the consequences that may occur, Walsh would simply support Sitting Bull through whatever decision he may make, although Walsh still gives Sitting Bull his advice. All in all, determining whoever holds more power over another, one must consider what type of power is being discussed.
Quote:
"As much, this is a rather poorly worded question."
that's a tad bit harsh.tsk tsk.
Between Walsh and Sitting Bull, it is hard to find who happens to truly be in complete control of the situations they find themselves in. Their relationship is more along the lines of a “cause and effect” type, as it is Sitting Bull who has immediate power over Walsh, yet in the end, Walsh is placed into a position of power that is directly related to the decisions of Sitting Bull. Both have significant levels of power in their circumstances, yet both come hand in hand; one’s power varies depending on how the other chooses to exercise their power over the first individual. Simply put, Sitting Bull would appear to have the greater amount of power, yet, it is the lack of action from Walsh that gives him this power. So really, both are influenced by each other’s choices, creating a fluctuating relationship in terms of power.
The relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh is not about power but about respect and moving past cultural differences. However, in different situations, Pollock gives the power to different characters, sometimes it's Sitting Bull and sometimes it's Walsh. The main point Pollock is trying to get across to the audience is not the power struggle between Walsh and Sitting Bull, but how the overlook their differences and learn to trust and respect each other. For example, the exchange between Walsh and Sitting Bull on page 47-48 doesn't show either one of them being put in a position of power. Obviously, Sitting Bull controls the topic of conversation and as Alex said he has more man power, but the Canadian government has given Walsh power to deal with Sitting Bull. I think Alex was right when he said that "determining whoever holds more power over another, one must consider what type of power is being discussed". Walsh legally has power over Sitting Bull but can forcefully have power over Walsh considering the size of the Sioux tribe. There are times in the play however, when one side has more power than the other. Usually it's because the other side gives the former this power. For example, on pages 53-59, Sitting Bull is giving Walsh power on deciding if the Sioux should help the Nez Perces and if they should meet with General Terry. This is not forced nor is it to acknowledge Walsh's political superiority over Sitting Bull, he gives Walsh the power of making such a large decision because Sitting Bull has come to trust and respect Walsh and feels that Walsh will not do anything that he feels will harm the Sioux. This is shown on page 59 when Sitting Bull says, "Yes...I can see it....Today is a sad day for me....In the past, I have risen, tomahawk in hand. I have done all the hurt to the whites that I could....Now you are here. My arms hang to the ground as if dead....I believe the Blackfoot and the Cree have judged you wisely. I will call you White Sioux and I will trust you. I will speak to General Terry...and I will deny the Nez Perces.
Polluck presents the relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh as if they are on a balance. This balance constantly shifts between the two because throughout the book it shows both of them having a sense of power that is greater than the other at some point. Such as act 1, where Sitting Bull is requested for help by the Nez Perces. This decision will affect the well being of Canada because if Sitting Bull had decided to help them it could cause America to also enter Canada. This event may even cause a war. Thus making Sitting Bull seem like he has the power. As said before the power tends to fluctuate throughout the play, because near the end, it is now Sitting Bull's turn to beg Walsh for help, but Walsh refuses and eventually pushes Sitting Bull to the floor. There for Polluck describes this relationship between Sitting Bull and Walsh, like they are in need of each other, in order for the other one to fulfill their role.
The relationship is with respect for both sitting bull and Walsh. Walsh recognizes that sitting bull represents a whole tribe of people and sitting bull calls Walsh "white forehead cheif" almost accepting him as an Indian. They are both rather friendly towards one another and Sitting Bull trusts Walsh although he puts all the responsibility on Walsh's shoulders when deciding on a plan of action.
When they first meet, it is Walsh who has more power over the conversation, especially when he introduces himself as "Major James Walsh of the North West Mounted Police". His tone here indicates one of asserting authority; he is trying to show Sitting Bull who's "boss". However, when they meet again in the tent, and they become "friends", the reader can see that Sitting Bull is slowly taking control over their conversation. Walsh, wanting to retain the peace between them, speaks using a careful choice of words so as not to offend Sitting Bull. However, later on, it is Sitting Bull who has the power over the conversation. It is a bit hard to say who has more power because in their conversations, the power goes back and forth between them.
The relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull is presented by Pollock through the way they communicate with each other. At the initial stage where Sitting Bull meets Walsh, it appears that Walsh has control because Sitting Bull and the Sioux had to get permission from Walsh to stay, and to be granted ammunition, it was a decision made by Walsh as well. However, it can also be seen in a different perspective, that Sitting Bull has control because of the Sioux that was surrounding Walsh and other characters. The relationship between the two becomes better as they become better friends, however at different situations each one of them can take a different role as to who has the control. All in all, mainly Walsh has control because he’s a soldier of the Canadian government, which ultimately also has control (or should have control) over Sitting Bull and the Sioux.
I'm having trouble believing you spelled the author's name "Polluck" Wilson. There's a 't' in there. It's Potluck. How ignorant of you.
The first meeting between Walsh and Sitting bull can also be viewed in as doubles, where Walsh is the an officer of the NWMP and also White forehead cheif. Sitting bull takes the role of the prospector and himself. When Walsh speaks to sitting bull as an officer he is really speaking to the prospector with his authority over him, but when he speaks to sitting bull as the white forehead chief and later the white sioux, he brings himself to an equal level with sitting bull. Although Walsh is an authority figure, he has real power over sitting bull who has the strenght of 5000 sioux behind him
Now that we have read the rest of the play. I can't agree with anyone who says that Sitting Bull has any power over Walsh. Nothing that Sitting Bull could do would effect Walsh more than the flip side where almost all desicions that Walsh makes will effect Sitting Bull and his people. If Sitting Bull decides to stay in Canada, Walsh just has to take a bit of heat from the government which isn't that big of a deal. Whereas if Walsh forced Sitting Bull back to the USA, he would be sending them to their deaths. So ultimatley Walsh has all the power between the two even if they are friendly to one another.
Pollock presents the relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull in two ways through the split in Walsh’s Character. When Walsh shows his official side of himself, it would seem Walsh has more power over Sitting Bull. The other side of Walsh demonstrates his friendship towards Sitting Bull and is given the name “White Sioux” by Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull has more power than Walsh, even though Walsh is part of the Canadian government. One of the reasons Sitting Bull has more power over Walsh is because he hands over the fate of his people to Walsh.
When we are first introduced to the characters of Sitting Bull and Walsh, we can immediately see that they are both very powerful characters. However it appears initially that Walsh is the man with the most control of this situation. It appears as though he has a position of great authority in the NWMP and that he displays compassion for the Sioux. Because of Sitting Bulls complete trust in Walsh, it is as if the fate of the Sioux lies solely in the hand of Major Walsh. This gives the impression that Walsh controls both sides, the NWMP and the Sioux.
However as the play progresses and we begin to see the inner conflict develop inside of him, Walsh no longer appears as the figure of power.
At the beginning of the play, Walsh has more power over Sitting Bull because he appears to have the contol of the situation and also in their first meeting he is like puuling off a respect-me-i-have-the-power-here impression. Sitting bull is relying on Walsh and asking for 'support'--giving Walsh control and power. However, on page 54, when Walsh says "I tell you this because I am a soldier and I must follow orders, but I am a friend also. White Forehead....does not say this, Major Walsh says this" Walsh's power seems to lower and neither have power over one another.
In the end, Sitting bull gains the power because Walsh feels like he needs to do something for Sitting bull. Walsh establishes that he has a responsiblity for Sitting bull therefore he respects Sitting bull's decisions and rely on it.
Walsh and Sitting bull have their first engagement on pg 47. It seems that both have power because both of them are leaders of their people, sitting bull justifies this when he raises his hand and the noise stops after he does that and walsh gives his title of "Major James Walsh of the North West Mounted Police." the stage direction under there shows who really has the power in the relationship though. Because Sitting Bull hesitates taking Walsh's handshake, it gives him the power of choosing to make the choice of acknowledging Walsh or not.
Pollock has created quite an interesting relationship between Walsh and Sitting Bull, whom of which are the dominant characters in the play and the situation regarding the play. In the initial meeting between Walsh and Sitting Bull, Walsh is presented with the power to befriend the Sioux. He accepts this friendship from Sitting Bull, who has presented this option to him. Sitting Bull happens to have alot of power and authority within his people, but Walsh has more power amongst the government and regarding the situation of the Sioux. In the end, this power with the government is more useful in this situation, as Walsh's tie with the government may help the Sioux nation. That is why Walsh has more power, because Sitting Bull needs his trust and confidence, but Walsh does not need anything from Sitting Bull.
In the play, both Walsh and Sitting Bull are shown as men of great power. Both are leaders of their respective groups and both present a sense of authority when on stage.Sitting bull is presented as a very magnetic person who, even when not talking is a force to be known. Pollock gives this to the reader in stage direction. When Sitting Bull and Walsh first talk, Sitting Bull is very much in power. This is strange to the audience, because in the prologue and the play proper so far, Walsh has had command. In this scene, Walsh wants from Sitting Bull and can only take what he gives. Sitting Bull makes it clear they need no help and when the Nez Perces ask for help, Walsh can only influence Sitting Bull's decision.The next scene on pg 65 continues to show Sitting Bull's authority. He is telling Crowfoot of the great wheel as Clarence (who we know as Walsh's concience) is watching from afar. Eventually Clarence joins in and learns about the Souix belief system. This represents Sitting Bull as a teacher with great knowledge, a person to be looked up to. By having Clarence sit and listen to him, we feel Walsh is the student in this scene. He has little knowledge in the subject and needs a man like Sitting Bull to guide him the proper way. The scene on page 109 in act 2 is drastically different from the scenes in act 1. Walsh has been avoiding Sitting Bull mostly up to this point after his talk with Macleod, and now is no different. Sitting Bull is little of the man he used to be but still posesses a powerful quality to him. As Sitting Bull sets aside his pride and asks for help, he still seems somewhat in power. It is not until Walsh physically overpowers him does he show some control of the situation. As the play progresses we see the gradual shift in control, which Pollock uses to say how there was a general shift of power from the natives of Canada to the Englishmen who came to later settle it. By having Walsh only in conrtol after subduing Sitting Bull is quite representative of the American government in this time. They has such little control of the native people that they used brute force and harsh tactics to win supremacy.
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