Oppression Exposed In Shirley Jackson's Book By Its Cover

The overall theme portrays the struggle and oppression suffered by Native Americans throughout history. The oppression these Native Americans endured from the settlers who pilgrimaged with Christopher Columbus. Controversially, story is told from the point of view of Jackson. The main character and the hate he has for white men due to the history of their family’s oppression. The story shows how times have changed and people whose families were once the oppressors are now the only people who are helping Jackson throughout the story. Leaving the overall impression that you cant judge a book by its cover.

Disappointingly, the tone of this short story is a very sad. The story of a homeless man who is very intelligent but also very close-minded about the white man and how he needs to keep his secrets from the hungry white man (pg. 88). The main character is in a state of mind of that would characterize a dream or state of inebriated. The story is full of symbolisms connected to the theme. At what time Jackson finds his grandmothers regalia in the window of a pawnshop. The same regalia that had been stolen over fifty years ago, just so happens to be in a white mans pawnshop. The symbolism of the stolen regalia would relate to that of how prized possessions and land were stolen from the Native Americans long ago by the settlers. …show more content…
90). This is the junction in the story where all the secondary characters come into play. Seemingly, the only people who are essentially helping Jackson to get his grandmothers regalia back are white people. Unfortunately, the time portrayed with his Native American friends is spending his money and getting drunk with him, moving him father from his end state goal of getting the regalia