The Indian Killer by Sherman Alexie Essay Example

324).

Despite skepticism from everyone, Mark's belief that the killer is a bird is countered by the killer's ability to manipulate his perception. The Indian Killer not only defies human moral values but also has its own set of unwavering values and divine power. It even sees itself as a higher force while planning to abduct Mark. This abduction marks the start of a significant ceremony with far-reaching consequences for the world, causing tremors worldwide through the sacrifice of an innocent white boy.

The Indian Killer, resembling a Christian plague, has infiltrated the Jones’s residence and abducted the eldest son of a white family” (192). Similar to the plague which claimed the lives of every first-born son among the Egyptians and unrighteous Jews, the killer is dispatched by a higher authority and comprehends this truth. Before he proceeds to abduct Mark Jones, “[t]he killer kneels down beside the bed as if intending to pray. Then the killer engages in prayer” (153). The killer would not pray unless it truly believes that its actions are righteous. In contrast to all the other violent characters in the novel, the Indian Killer fights for a nobler cause.

Its goal is to rectify past injustices and prevent future persecution of Native Americans by targeting individuals like Mark Jones. In the killer's eyes, Mark is not simply a random victim, but rather a "beautiful white boy" who may potentially become a hateful individual like others who wrongfully mistreat Native Americans. The killer envisions taking immediate action to eliminate this threat, picturing the possibility of swiftly killing Mark before anyone can intervene, thus preventing him from turning into

a prejudiced monster.

The killer had the opportunity to murder Mark at that moment, but going against his principles, he chose not to. The Indian Killer comprehends the commencement of something significant and will persist until the goal is achieved. The initiation revolves around Mark Jones. "The killer recognized that the abduction of Mark Jones was the true beginning, the first step, the first act of a profound ceremony that will transform the world." The Indian Killer possesses a vision and recognizes that Mark Jones will ignite the process. This violent act, this dance, is only the first of many, and the killer comprehends this. The killer continues to dance for hours, days.

Other Indians join in and rapidly grasp the song. The killer, aware that this dance has endured for over five centuries, is capable of dancing indefinitely. It intends to continue dancing eternally. The killer remains steadfast and undefeated. It comprehends that this dance, this movement it has initiated, is long overdue. It has been appointed to halt the persecution and is being joined by other Indians in their shared song. They all possess the ability to dance endlessly and will persist in doing so because evil will ultimately be vanquished.