The Scorched-Wood People: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Scorched-Wood People: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and motivations of key figures surrounding the Métis leader Louis Riel, a pivotal figure in Canadian history. Riel, a complex character marked by both devotion and idealism, rises to prominence as he strives to protect the rights of the Métis people against oppressive forces like the Hudson's Bay Company. The narrative also emphasizes Gabriel Dumont, Riel's loyal friend and military leader, who respects Riel's spiritual vision while leading the Métis during their struggles. Pierre Falcon serves as the novel's narrator, offering a unique, albeit biased, perspective that highlights the contrasting lifestyles of the Métis and English settlers, thereby enriching the narrative with depth and humor. Other characters, such as Sir John A. Macdonald and Thomas Scott, play crucial roles in shaping the socio-political landscape that Riel and his people navigate. The analysis presents a nuanced portrayal of these characters, exploring their motivations and the consequences of their actions within the context of a tumultuous period in Canadian history, making it a compelling study for those interested in themes of cultural identity, leadership, and conflict.
The Scorched-Wood People: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rudy Wiebe
First published: 1977
Genre: Novel
Locale: Canada, the northeastern United States, and Montana
Plot: Historical
Time: The years between December, 1869, and November, 1885
Louis Riel, a visionary, the leader of the Métis people and founder of the province of Manitoba. Born in the Canadian West in 1844, Riel is educated in Montreal by priests. Despite his desire to enter the priesthood, Riel returns to his people, determined to improve their lot. He finds the Métis living in poverty, their way of life threatened and their plight ignored by the greedy Hudson's Bay Company. Riel is a complex man: Devout, pious, and solitary, he is also clever, charismatic, and an impassioned speaker. In 1869, with the help of Gabriel Dumont and his army, Riel captures Fort Garry from the company, proclaims a Provisional Government of the North-West, and declares himself its president. Like many idealists, Riel is also naïve. One of his first mistakes is to execute a white man, Thomas Scott, in 1870. The act brands him as an outlaw. Despite the fact that Riel is elected as a member of Parliament for his region, a bounty is put on his head, and he is obliged to seek exile in the United States. He settles in Montana, marries and has children, and teaches there until Dumont arrives in 1884 to entice him to Saskatchewan. A quiet, introspective man given to seeing visions, Riel believes that God is calling him to return, and he goes. The Métis arm themselves but are defeated at Batoche, Saskatchewan, by the Canadian army. Riel gives himself up, is tried, and is hanged in Regina on November 16, 1885.
Gabriel Dumont, a buffalo hunter, friend of Riel, and military leader of the Métis. Dumont is a great, burly man, uneducated and accustomed to leading a rough, simple life. Although not himself religious, Dumont respects Riel's devoutness and willingly follows his spiritual leadership. It is he who persuades Riel to return to Canada from exile in Montana, and it is he who organizes and leads the small band of Métis against the Canadian army at Batoche. Following the defeat of his people and the capture of Riel, Dumont flees to the United States, where he joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. To the end, he never doubts Riel's vision or his sanity.
Pierre Falcon, the narrator of the novel and singer-poet for the Métis, born in 1793. Falcon relates events that occur well outside the range of his own lifetime. He manages to be everywhere, both a participant in and reporter of the action. Falcon displays an uncanny knack for delving inside the heads of many characters, from Riel to the prime minister of Canada. Still, his is a decidedly biased view of people and events: The English and Scottish settlers usually appear dry, inhumane, and dishonest, whereas the Métis are presented as vital, emotional, and straightforward people. Falcon reveals their contrasting ways of life with extraordinary skill and some humor; he also excels at describing battle scenes. He triumphs in bringing the complex Riel to life. Falcon's idiosyncratic mode of narration gives the novel its fluid structure. His binary vision, which moves seamlessly between past and future, allows events to appear in the light of their inevitable, tragic end.
Sir John Alexander Macdonald, the first prime minister of Canada. He is the main force behind the Confederation of Canada in 1867 and the building of its national railroad. More than a little concerned about Riel's influence on the Métis, Macdonald orders him into exile and, years later, bows to English Protestant pressure to have Riel tried and executed.
Thomas Scott, who is court-martialed and executed by Riel's provisional government in 1870. He becomes a martyr, and his death increases the hostility of the English Protestants toward the French Catholic Métis.
Marguerite, Jean, and Sara Riel, respectively Riel's American-born wife and son and his sister. Sara shares Riel's vision, becomes a nun, and dies as a martyr to her religion. She is idealized by Riel.
Donald A. Smith, the chief representative of the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada.
William McDougall, the lieutenant-governor of the North-West in 1869.
Edgar Dewdney, the Indian commissioner for the North-West Territories from 1879 to 1888 and lieutenant-governor from 1881 to 1888.
Lief Crozier, an inspector in the North-West Mounted Police. He leads the attack against the Métis at Batoche.