Obsidian is a thought-provoking and emotional story written by Thomas King, a Canadian writer and author of Native American descent. Known for his ability to weave complex themes into engaging narratives, King uses Obsidian to explore ideas related to identity, culture, and the tension between the past and the present. This article will give an overview of the story, its main themes, and its significance in literature.
Introduction to Obsidian
Obsidian is a contemporary story that delves into the life of a Native American character, exploring his inner conflicts and struggles. The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the story, works as a “collector” of sorts. This individual collects stories and myths, but also faces the challenge of being caught between two worlds: the traditional Indigenous world and the modern, mainstream world. The title Obsidian refers to a type of black volcanic glass that holds significance in many Native American cultures, symbolizing the idea of reflection, change, and connection to the past.
The story begins with the protagonist’s return to his roots, back to his Native American community, after a long time away. His return is not just physical but emotional and mental, as he must confront both the changes in his community and the personal changes he has gone through. This return to his origins sets the stage for an exploration of cultural identity, historical trauma, and the healing process.
Characters describe
In Obsidian by Thomas King, the characters are deeply intertwined with themes of identity, culture, and reconciliation.
- The Protagonist (Unnamed) – The main character is an Indigenous man who returns to his roots after being away from his community for many years. He struggles with a sense of disconnection, torn between his modern life and his Native heritage. His journey represents the universal experience of reconciling the two worlds of tradition and contemporary society. Throughout the story, he evolves from feeling ashamed of his cultural background to embracing it fully, learning that identity is shaped by both the past and present.
- The Elder – The Elder is a wise figure who embodies traditional Indigenous knowledge and wisdom. He serves as a mentor to the protagonist, guiding him on his journey toward self-acceptance. Through the Elder, the protagonist learns the importance of preserving cultural traditions and stories as a way to understand one’s identity and heal past wounds.
- The Protagonist’s Family – The protagonist’s family symbolizes his ties to his heritage and culture. Though not fully developed, they represent the connection to his past that he must reconnect with to understand himself fully.
These characters reflect the struggle to balance personal identity with cultural preservation in a changing world.
The Protagonist’s Struggles
The protagonist in Obsidian is an interesting and complex character. On one hand, he feels disconnected from his heritage and community. This sense of disconnection is a result of growing up in the modern world, far removed from the traditional practices and teachings of his ancestors. Yet, on the other hand, he is also drawn back to his community, feeling a pull to rediscover his roots and understand his place in the world.
This internal struggle forms the emotional heart of the story. The protagonist’s journey is not just one of returning to his home but also one of reconciling his two identities: the one shaped by his Indigenous roots and the other shaped by the outside, modern world. His journey reflects the struggles faced by many Indigenous people, who often find themselves torn between the traditional values of their ancestors and the pressures of contemporary society.
One of the key themes explored through the protagonist’s struggles is the impact of colonialism. Throughout history, Indigenous communities have faced displacement, discrimination, and loss of culture due to the influence of colonial powers. This has left a deep scar on the identity of many Indigenous people. The protagonist’s journey is symbolic of the larger struggles faced by Indigenous communities, who are working to reclaim and preserve their cultures in the face of modernization and colonization.
Themes of Identity and Culture
The theme of cultural identity plays a central role in Obsidian. King uses the protagonist’s journey as a way to explore what it means to be Native American in the modern world. The protagonist grapples with his identity, feeling both pride and shame about his heritage. This struggle is common among many Indigenous people, especially those who have grown up away from their communities or in environments where their culture is not understood or respected.
Throughout the story, the protagonist learns that his identity is not something that can be easily defined. It is not just about belonging to a particular place or culture but about understanding the complexities of one’s history and personal experiences. The story suggests that identity is fluid and ever-changing, shaped by both the past and the present. The protagonist comes to realize that he cannot separate himself from his heritage; rather, he must embrace it fully in order to understand who he truly is.
This exploration of identity is deeply connected to the theme of cultural survival. Obsidian highlights the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures in the face of external pressures. The protagonist’s journey of rediscovery is symbolic of the larger movement among Indigenous communities to reclaim their traditions, languages, and ways of life that were almost lost due to colonization.
The Role of Storytelling
Another important theme in Obsidian is the power of storytelling. King often uses stories and myths to explore deeper truths about culture and identity. In this novel, storytelling serves as a way for the protagonist to reconnect with his roots and understand his heritage. Through stories, the protagonist is able to learn about the history of his people, the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they passed down through generations.
In many Indigenous cultures, storytelling is not just about entertainment but also about preserving knowledge and teaching important life lessons. Obsidian emphasizes the role of stories in shaping identity and community. The protagonist begins to understand that by telling stories, he can keep his culture alive and ensure that it continues to be passed down to future generations.
Moreover, storytelling in the novel becomes a means of healing. The protagonist learns that by acknowledging and sharing his personal struggles, as well as the collective struggles of his people, he can begin to heal from the trauma caused by colonialism and displacement. The act of telling stories becomes a form of resistance against the forces that have sought to erase Indigenous cultures and histories.
The Significance of the Title “Obsidian”
The title of the novel, Obsidian, is rich in symbolism. Obsidian, as a volcanic glass, is formed under intense heat and pressure. This process of creation mirrors the experience of the protagonist, who has been shaped by both personal and collective struggles. The obsidian stone is also used in many Indigenous cultures for making tools and weapons, symbolizing strength and survival. For the protagonist, obsidian represents the idea of resilience and the power to overcome adversity.
Additionally, obsidian has reflective properties, meaning it can mirror the world around it. This reflects the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and reflection. Just as obsidian mirrors the world, the protagonist must come to terms with his past and his identity in order to move forward and find peace.
Conclusion
Obsidian by Thomas King is a deeply moving and insightful novel that explores themes of identity, culture, and the impact of colonization. Through the story of the unnamed protagonist, King sheds light on the struggles faced by Indigenous people in a modern world that often marginalizes their cultures and histories. The novel also highlights the power of storytelling as a way of preserving culture and healing from past traumas. Ultimately, Obsidian is a story about the journey to understand oneself and one’s place in the world, and it offers important lessons on resilience, survival, and cultural pride.
In sum, Obsidian is a powerful reflection on the complexities of identity and the ongoing journey of reconciliation between the past and the present. King’s masterful storytelling helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.