The Power of Place and Identity in Tommy Orange’s “There There”
This essay is about Tommy Orange’s novel “There There,” which explores the complexities of Native American identity in contemporary urban settings. It discusses how the title references Gertrude Stein’s comment on Oakland, symbolizing the historical erasure of Native cultures. The novel’s strength lies in its multiple perspectives, showcasing the diverse experiences of twelve characters whose lives intersect at the Big Oakland Powwow. Themes of identity, storytelling, and the search for a sense of place are central to the narrative. Orange’s prose highlights the characters’ struggles and resilience, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring Native American experiences in modern society.
Tommy Orange’s debut novel, “There There,” is a profound exploration of Native American identity and the complexities of urban life for contemporary Indigenous people. Set against the backdrop of Oakland, California, the novel interweaves the lives of twelve characters, each grappling with their sense of self and belonging in a modern world that often overlooks their existence. Through a narrative that is both intimate and far-reaching, Orange paints a vivid picture of the struggles and resilience of Native Americans in the twenty-first century.
The title, “There There,” is a reference to a Gertrude Stein quote about Oakland, where she remarked, “There is no there there.” This statement, often interpreted as a lament for the loss of her childhood home, takes on a deeper meaning in Orange’s novel. It becomes a metaphor for the erasure and invisibility that Native Americans have faced throughout history. However, Orange reclaims this notion, illustrating that despite the historical and ongoing attempts to erase Native cultures, there is indeed a “there” – a rich, albeit complicated, presence that endures.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its multiplicity of voices. The characters, ranging from a young boy named Orvil Red Feather who is learning about his heritage through YouTube videos to a woman named Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield who struggles with the memories of her traumatic childhood, provide a mosaic of perspectives. Each character’s story is a thread in the larger tapestry of the novel, contributing to a collective narrative that underscores the diversity and complexity of Native American experiences.
The characters’ lives converge at the Big Oakland Powwow, an event that serves as both a literal and symbolic gathering place. This powwow is more than just a cultural celebration; it is a space of connection, confrontation, and reconciliation. For many characters, it represents a chance to reclaim their identities and find a sense of community. However, the powwow is also fraught with tension and culminates in a tragic act of violence, reflecting the precariousness of the characters’ lives and the ongoing challenges they face.
Orange’s prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the beauty and pain of his characters’ experiences. His use of multiple perspectives allows readers to see the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives and the broader social and historical forces that shape their realities. The novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of urban Native life, including addiction, poverty, and violence. Yet, it also highlights moments of joy, resilience, and cultural pride.
One of the most compelling aspects of “There There” is its exploration of identity. The characters grapple with what it means to be Native American in a world that often reduces them to stereotypes or erases their existence altogether. For many of them, the search for identity is intertwined with the search for a sense of place. Oakland, with its rich history and vibrant cultural landscape, serves as both a setting and a character in the novel. It is a place where the past and present collide, and where the characters must navigate the complexities of their identities in a rapidly changing world.
The novel also addresses the theme of storytelling. Through the characters’ narratives, Orange emphasizes the importance of stories in preserving culture and history. Storytelling becomes a means of survival, a way to assert one’s existence and resist erasure. The characters’ stories, though disparate, are bound together by a shared history and a collective struggle for recognition and belonging.
In “There There,” Tommy Orange has crafted a powerful and poignant narrative that challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of Native American life. The novel is a testament to the enduring presence and resilience of Native people, despite centuries of colonization and marginalization. It is a call to acknowledge and honor the rich tapestry of Native American experiences and to recognize that, indeed, there is a “there” there. Through its multifaceted characters and compelling storytelling, “There There” offers a deeply moving exploration of identity, place, and the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The Power of Place and Identity in Tommy Orange's "There There". (2024, Jun 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-power-of-place-and-identity-in-tommy-oranges-there-there/
