The Surrounded: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Surrounded" explores the complexities of identity and cultural conflict through its major characters, primarily centered around Archilde Leon, a mixed-race musician caught between his Indian heritage and European roots. As he returns to the Flathead Indian reservation in Montana to care for his dying father, Archilde grapples with his sense of belonging amidst the contrasting influences of his Indian and white ancestry. His mother, Catharine LaLoup Leon, a Salish chief's daughter, embodies the tension between traditional Indian values and her Catholic faith, significantly influencing Archilde's understanding of his identity.
Other pivotal characters include Max Leon, Archilde's estranged father, whose wealth and expectations create a rift with his children, and the rebellious Mike and Narcisse, who seek solace in their cultural heritage after harsh experiences at an Indian boarding school. Elise, a spirited young woman, adds further complexity to the narrative as she navigates her attraction to Archilde while embodying defiance against societal norms. The story also features figures like Modeste, the wise old chief, and the antagonistic sheriff Dave Quigley, whose opposing views highlight the tensions between Indigenous people and white settlers. This rich character tapestry invites readers to reflect on themes of cultural identity, familial relationships, and the struggle for self-definition.
The Surrounded: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: D'Arcy McNickle
First published: 1936
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Flathead Indian reservation in Montana
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early twentieth century
Archilde Leon (ahr-SHEEL lay-OHN), the mixed-race son of an Indian mother and a European father. He returns home to visit the Flathead Indian reservation in Montana. He expects this to be a brief and final visit before he returns to his life as a musician in Portland, Oregon. A sensitive, intelligent, and careful man, he takes care of his dying father and helps his mother any way that he can. He often seems to be caught up in events and unable to escape the reservation, where he is torn between white and Indian culture.
Catharine LaLoup Leon, the daughter of a Salish chief. She is the mother of Archilde, Louis, and Agnes. One of the tribe's earliest and most enthusiastic converts to Roman Catholicism, Catharine still maintains a rather traditional way of life and eventually renounces her baptism. A strong-willed yet generous and loving old woman, she is very much respected in the Indian community. She is important to Archilde's growing sense of his identity as an Indian, and it is at her death that he feels as if he is a part of the community.
Max Leon, Archilde's father, originally from Spain. His many children have all disappointed him; he had hoped that they would be more manly and less Indian. A wealthy rancher, he drives a flashy blue car and barely speaks to his wife. He is reconciled with Archilde when Archilde helps with the harvest, because he hopes the young man will stay to run the farm after he dies. A gruff man, Max is careful about money. Because of his reluctance to show affection, he lives in isolation from other people.
Mike, Archilde's nephew. A rebellious boy, he is treated harshly at the Indian boarding school and suffers emotional trauma, which is healed by his participation in traditional Indian culture. He and his brother Narcisse reject mainstream culture and try to return to the old ways.
Narcisse (nahr-sees), Mike's brother and constant com-panion.
Elise, the granddaughter of Modeste. She asserts her interest in Archilde from their first meeting. She is a wild girl, open and expressive, who drinks, smokes, and generally misbehaves. She falls in love with Archilde and kills Dave Quigley in his defense. Elise is not merely rebellious; rather, she is intelligent and strong-willed. Her enthusiastic approach to life charms Archilde.
Modeste, an old Salish chief and a good friend of Catharine. He is often consulted for advice in difficult matters and is the primary source of old stories and native wisdom.
Dave Quigley, the sheriff, disliked and feared by most Indians. A ruthless and cruel man, he hates the Indians and resents his country's protection of them. An excellent tracker, he will stop at nothing to catch and severely punish an Indian.
Louis Leon, Archilde's older brother and a horse thief. Catharine believes that he developed his callous attitude after attending the missionary school. His death brings about her eventual renunciation of Catholicism.
Father Grepilloux, an elderly Franciscan priest who came to the valley with the first group of missionaries. He is writing a history of the mission. He is kindly and affectionate, and he respects the Indians. His attitude is contrasted with that of the more recently arrived priests. He and Max are some of the oldest white settlers in the valley and are good friends.
Agnes Leon, Archilde's widowed sister. She moved into the big house to help take care of her father, Max. Mike and Narcisse are her sons. A quiet woman, she can be very perceptive about human nature.