Member-only story

Rainbow of Promise: Elizabeth Shane's Enduring Legacy to American Literature

John Updike

·12.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Rainbow Of Promise Elizabeth Shane

6 min read

103 View Claps

6 Respond

Save

Listen

Rainbow of Promise

by Elizabeth Shane

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	578 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	108 pages

Elizabeth Shane's 1971 novel, Rainbow of Promise, is a powerful and moving story about the struggles of Native Americans in the face of colonialism and assimilation. The novel follows the life of Rosemary Lone, a young woman who is torn between her traditional Lakota culture and the white world that she is forced to live in. Rosemary's journey is a complex and challenging one, but she ultimately finds strength and hope in her culture and her community.

Rainbow of Promise is a significant work of American literature for a number of reasons. First, it is one of the first novels to be written by a Native American woman. Second, it provides a unique and insightful perspective on the experiences of Native Americans in the United States. Third, it is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that has touched the hearts of readers for generations.

Themes

Rainbow of Promise explores a number of important themes, including:

The conflict between traditional Native American culture and the white world. Rosemary Lone is torn between her Lakota heritage and the white world that she is forced to live in. She struggles to find her place in a world that often seems hostile to her culture and her people.
The importance of family and community. Rosemary finds strength and support from her family and community. They help her to maintain her cultural identity and to cope with the challenges of living in a white world.
The power of education. Rosemary is determined to get an education, even though she knows that it will be difficult. She believes that education is the key to a better future for herself and her people.
The importance of hope. Even in the darkest of times, Rosemary never loses hope. She believes that a better future is possible for her people, and she is determined to fight for it.

Characters

Rainbow of Promise features a cast of well-developed and memorable characters. The main character, Rosemary Lone, is a strong and determined young woman. She is fiercely proud of her Lakota heritage, and she is determined to make a better life for herself and her people.

Other important characters in the novel include:

Marie Lone, Rosemary's mother, is a traditional Lakota woman who is deeply committed to her culture. She is a wise and loving mother, and she provides Rosemary with strength and guidance.
Frank Lone, Rosemary's father, is a white man who has adopted Lakota culture. He is a loving and supportive father, and he helps Rosemary to bridge the gap between her two worlds.
Father Michael, a white priest who is sympathetic to the plight of Native Americans. He helps Rosemary to get an education, and he provides her with spiritual guidance.
John Lone, Rosemary's brother, is a troubled young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is often angry and resentful, but he loves Rosemary deeply.

Impact

Rainbow of Promise has had a significant impact on American literature. It is one of the first novels to be written by a Native American woman, and it provides a unique and insightful perspective on the experiences of Native Americans in the United States. The novel has been praised for its realism, its emotional resonance, and its powerful message of hope.

Rainbow of Promise has been used in schools and universities across the country to teach about Native American culture and history. It has also been translated into several languages, and it has been read by people all over the world. The novel has helped to raise awareness of the struggles faced by Native Americans, and it has inspired many people to work for social justice and human rights.

Elizabeth Shane's Rainbow of Promise is a powerful and moving novel that is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the experiences of Native Americans in the United States. The novel is a testament to the strength and resilience of Native American people, and it is a reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

A Young Native American Woman Stands On A Hilltop, Looking Out Over A Rainbow. The Woman Is Wearing A Traditional Lakota Dress, And She Has A Determined Expression On Her Face. Rainbow Of Promise Elizabeth Shane