Abstract "Shell Shaker" is one book that can be read from different angles because the novel is essentially a skillful interplay of various themes. These themes offer a wide range of viewpoints on misuse of power, corruption that is integral part of power itself, women who transcend traditional roles to change the destiny of a nation, and history's influence on the present. This paper looks at how the novel narrates two separate events at different points in time and simultaneously offers an insight into the power of people who react to horrific events to introduce change and to stop corruption. The paper shows that, among these people, it is the female population that is shown to have the greatest resilience and strength to transform an entire nation and its destiny.
From the Paper "Shell Shaker can therefore be read as the story of powerful women who managed to influence events, thereby creating and shaping history. It is story of sacrifices made by some women to bring peace and prosperity in the lives of other people of their tribe. These women were undoubtedly powerful because they understood the real meaning of serving the community and the nation. Readers unfamiliar with Indian traditions might not like the idea of self-sacrifice, however these women are certainly worthy of a rich tribute as they bartered their lives for peace and tranquility."
Tags: Shakbatina, Choctaw, Red, Shoes, Old, Durant
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the history of the region surrounding Coffeeville, Mississippi in the north central portion of the state is long and varied. The writer points out that though the region has what some might consider an ideal climate, European settlement of the region was quite slow, and the Native American tribes that were already established there--such as the Choctaw and the Chickasaw--remained unmolested well into the 18th century. The writer discusses that subsequent treaties and elimination of these tribes from the region hastened the formation of Mississippi as a state and the incorporation of Coffeeville as an important urban center in the development of Mississippi.
From the Paper "But the early growth and development of the Coffeeville region would be truncated by the beginning of the Civil War, which had disastrous results for the separatist Confederacy. Union armies ultimately marched through the South and destroyed much of the railroad infrastructure that had been built. Nonetheless, there were some victories for the Confederacy in the region. The Battle of Coffeeville, an ambush of Grant's forces, was a decisive turning point in the advance of Grant's forces through the South, dramatically altering Grant's plans to advance on Vicksburg and had a major impact on the outcome of the Civil War. All of these major historical developments--from native inhabitants to early settlement to the Civil War--have had a significant effect on the character of Coffeeville, Mississippi and its surrounding environs."
