The Searchers directed by legendary filmmaker John Ford starring Hollywood icon John Wayne provides us with an opportunity to see how the first people of the North Atlantic continent were commonly portrayed by Hollywood.
The movie is situated during an era referred to in United States History as the Texas-Indian Wars. Texas had been occupied by hundreds of first people tribes for at least 11,000 years prior to European settlers arriving in the southwestern region of the United States. Confrontations erupted during the 1800s. In 1886 the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo surrendered to the United States army representing the last recorded First Person resistance to surrender to the government, by historically recorded accounts Geronimo’s surrender concluded the Indian Wars era.
As you watch the film be aware of the following questions that will be used to guide our lessons with respect to the book Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn. The focus of our study in English is to examine the rhetorical nature of literature with respect to the First People. Rhetoric is fundamentally defined as the art of effective persuasion. This part of our country’s history provides us with an excellent opportunity to examine how rhetoric was/is used to shape opinions. The aim of this study in literature is not intended to challenge your opinion with respect to the First People conflict, however, you are encouraged to formulate your own understanding based on the reading, viewing, and discussions.
1. How are the First People portrayed throughout the movie?
2. How is the heroic representation of John Wayne’s character, Ethan, used as a vehicle to instill hostility towards the Comanches?
3. How is the music used as a rhetorical device?
4. How does the director, John Ford, convey the attitude towards the First People in this film? Provide five examples.
5. How does the movie represent a stereotypical view of First People held by others during this period in American history?
6. How is John Wayne’s character, Ethan, used as a device to instill the hubris (excessive pride) associated with men in a patriarchal society? What are the common attributes a man should possess according to the portrayal of Ethan’s character?
7. Finally, how do all of these characteristics represent the often portrayed theme of good versus evil during this era in American history? Has that image changed since? Why?
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