The novel, Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier, takes place in the Appalachian Mountains during the Civil War. Appalachian people are known for their folklore and superstitions involving various aspects of their lives. Throughout this novel there are glimpses of folkloric wisdom of nature, superstitious schedules and actions, and herbal wisdom passed around the communities. Frazier was able to accurately display many of the traditions and folklore of the mountain people through several different characters in this novel, giving Cold Mountain the reader an accurate display of the people of Appalachia.
In the chapter, “the doing of it”, Inman is staying with a goat woman. This woman knows a great deal about herbal medicines and holds superstitions …show more content…
Ruby grew up on her own mostly, having to figure out her own survival techniques. “A lot of it was grandmother knowledge, got from wandering around the settlement talking to any old woman who would talk back, watching them work and asking questions.” (137-138). Knowledge of the land and settlement areas in this region, has been passed down through the generations, changing and becoming better with each change. Another thing that Ruby’s character brings forward is farmer superstitions. Ruby did everything in accordance with “the signs”(134), “In Ruby’s mind everything—setting fence posts, making sauerkraut, killing hogs—fell under the rule of the heavens[…] ‘Cut firewood in the old of the moon,’ she’d advised, ‘Otherwise it won’t do much but fry and hiss at you come winter.’”(134). Frazier was able to accurately show some of the Appalachian superstitions through this. Ruby’s connection to the animals and plants also helped bring about the importance they hold in Appalachia, “Each life with a story behind it. Every little gesture nature made to suggest a mind marking its life as its own caught Ruby’s attention” (137). Frazier was also able to show an outsider perspective of these superstitions through Ada’s reactions. Quote highlighted on page
In the chapter, “the doing of it”, Inman is staying with a goat woman. This woman knows a great deal about herbal medicines and holds superstitions …show more content…
Ruby grew up on her own mostly, having to figure out her own survival techniques. “A lot of it was grandmother knowledge, got from wandering around the settlement talking to any old woman who would talk back, watching them work and asking questions.” (137-138). Knowledge of the land and settlement areas in this region, has been passed down through the generations, changing and becoming better with each change. Another thing that Ruby’s character brings forward is farmer superstitions. Ruby did everything in accordance with “the signs”(134), “In Ruby’s mind everything—setting fence posts, making sauerkraut, killing hogs—fell under the rule of the heavens[…] ‘Cut firewood in the old of the moon,’ she’d advised, ‘Otherwise it won’t do much but fry and hiss at you come winter.’”(134). Frazier was able to accurately show some of the Appalachian superstitions through this. Ruby’s connection to the animals and plants also helped bring about the importance they hold in Appalachia, “Each life with a story behind it. Every little gesture nature made to suggest a mind marking its life as its own caught Ruby’s attention” (137). Frazier was also able to show an outsider perspective of these superstitions through Ada’s reactions. Quote highlighted on page