Rabbit Boss: Analysis of Major Characters
"Rabbit Boss: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex lives and intergenerational struggles of the Washo people through significant characters, revealing themes of cultural survival and adaptation amidst colonization. Central to the narrative is Gayabuc, the Rabbit Chief, who faces the invasion of white settlers and the subsequent transformation of Washo life, culminating in his last traditional rabbit hunt. His son, Captain Rex, represents a bridge between cultures, grappling with the effects of alcohol and crime while trying to navigate the pressures from both his heritage and the encroaching white society.
Hallelujah Bob, Rex's son, survives a tuberculosis epidemic and embarks on a journey of rediscovery of his Washo roots, eventually evolving into a figure of religious significance. The next generation, Joe Birdsong, strives to reclaim his ancestors' legacy while confronting the harsh realities of his environment, including land disputes and accusations of murder. Supporting characters, such as Painted Stick and Medicine Maggie, highlight the struggles and resilience of women within the community, while figures like John C. Luther illustrate the predatory nature of colonizers. Through these characters, the narrative encapsulates the disintegration and resistance of Washo identity against historical and personal tragedies.
Rabbit Boss: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Sanchez
First published: 1973
Genre: Novel
Locale: Nevada and California
Plot: Historical realism
Time: 1846–1950's
Gayabuc, the husband of Painted Stick and son of the Rabbit Chief or Rabbit Boss who guides the people on the annual hunt for the rabbits that sustain their lives. He is the first to discover the presence of white people on Washo land. He witnesses the cannibalism of the Donner party on the shores of what is eventually named Donner Lake in California. His fateful encounter marks the beginning of the end of the traditional life of the Washo people. After his father's murder, Gayabuc becomes Rabbit Chief and leads his people in their last traditional rabbit hunt.
Captain Rex, the first son of Gayabuc and Painted Stick and the next to bear the hereditary title of Rabbit Boss. He is the first to bear the surname Birdsong, given to him because of his ability to sing like a bird when drunk. Though brought up in the traditional ways of the Washo, he is the first to have prolonged contact with white people. Because of his knowledge of English, Captain Rex acts as a translator for the railroad company and becomes an intermediary between the Washo and the railroad. As a result of his interaction with whites, he becomes a drunkard, petty thief, and gambler. He marries a Washo woman named Molly Moose, and they become the parents of Hallelujah Bob. Rex dies an old man, the victim of starvation and tuberculosis.
Hallelujah Bob, also known as Ayas, the son of Captain Rex and grandson of Painted Stick. He is the survivor of a tuberculosis epidemic in which nearly all of his family dies. Painted Stick cares for him until her death from old age. He lives with a white family, then with an elderly white dairy farmer, then at a government school. While at the school, he learns of his Washo heritage. He is reclaimed by his tribe and is taught tribal traditions and rituals. When he leaves the Washo camp because of the starvation and disease there, he works at a number of occupations, including stockyard worker, medicine show pitch man, ranch hand, and finally Christian evangelist. He returns to his people to preach the Gospel and lives with Medicine Maggie, with whom he fathers Joe Birdsong and Sarah Dick. Later in his life, he develops into a mystic, his Christianity is diluted with beliefs derived from the Ghost Dance religion, and he becomes the follower of a Paiute messiah. Ayas leads a religious rebellion that is quelled by government officials.
Joe Birdsong, son of Ayas and Medicine Maggie and last of the Rabbit Bosses. He lives in a shack on land that was given to him by his father and that white developers attempt to seize. He is employed as an exterminator, ranch hand, and hunting guide. His main employer is Mister Dixel, who owns the largest ranch in the valley. One of Joe's jobs is to kill rabbits on Dixel's ranch. Dixel informs Joe that he no longer needs his services as rabbit boss. Joe disobeys Dixel and performs his duties as rabbit boss with the help of his sister, Sarah Dick. Joe seeks to restore a tangible connection with the previous Rabbit Bosses by shooting enough rabbits to make a blanket similar to those of his ancestors. After the shoot, Joe returns to his shack to find Dixel's wife, who informs him that her husband has been murdered and that he is the prime suspect. Joe flees to the mountains and eventually dies on the edge of Donner Lake from an infected wound.
Painted Stick, the wife of Gayabuc. She blames herself for Gayabuc's lack of skill as a hunter because she allowed him to have sexual intercourse with her before she engaged in the Dance of the Woman. During her long life, she witnesses the takeover of Washo land by whites; the dissolution of her son, Captain Rex; and the tuberculosis epidemic that kills her people. She dies of old age in the company of her grandson, Ayas.
John C. Luther, also known as The Bummer, a greedy and cruel rascal who takes advantage of the Washo by encouraging them to drink and gamble. By threatening his life, Luther forces Captain Rex to lie concerning the location of a gold supply.
Molly Moose, the Washo mistress of Luther, the eventual wife of Captain Rex, and the mother of Ayas.
Medicine Maggie, the second wife of Hallelujah Bob and the mother of Sarah Dick and Joe Birdsong.
Sarah Dick, Joe Birdsong's sister. During her puberty rite, she is gang raped by a group of white men. She accompanies her brother on the last rabbit hunt that takes place on Dixel land.
Mister Dixel, the owner of the ranch on which Joe works. Joe is accused of his murder.