The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains
Often, people have the perception that being an American entails participating in a commitment to a set of ideas and values. Essentially, the statement is true. In most cases, being an American is not about nationality, religion, language, or ethnic background. It is mostly about commitment to the political ideologies that are centered on the ideals of equality, liberty, and republicanism. It makes America a country where any individual in the world can become a citizen. However, sometimes this does not apply, as people have different ideologies of what being American actually means. To some, America is a country of opportunities, where one will make his/ her dreams come true, while to others, it is a country of suffering and oppression. However, regardless of the perspective that one might view to be an American, a typical and unique American has a good share of both prosperity and suffering in his/ her life. In order to understand some of the traits of real Americans, the current paper focuses on the character named Dorinda Cayce in Charles Egbert Craddock’s novel, The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Summary of Critical Issues
The novel is about life in Tennessee and it is set in the rural hills of Smokies. It explores the tensions that have resulted from the encroachment of Tennessee state authority on the lives of people living in the mountains. The tension is manifested through the life of Rick Tyler, who is a young man wrongfully accused of stabbing. Throughout the novel, the characters use the mountain dialect which enables the reader to visualize the characters in the novel. The novel describes the people living in the Smoke Mountains. The men are described as people who enjoy going on with their favorite activities such as fishing and eating loaf while being ignorant of the domestic responsibilities that they have.
Women are described in three categories, as there are young women commonly referred to as the “flower of the mountain”, the young wives and the old women. The novel illustrates the fight for power and freedom from oppression by women. In addition, the sociocultural practices of the mountain people depict the empowerment of the women, although this is not long-lived. Although people like Dorinda Cayce are able to stand against the oppression by the authority, they do not get all they want. Dorinda thought that she would get married to Rick, but gets disappointed as he does not seem to have such intentions. Although Parson is determined to assist the mountain people to see the light and fight the intrusion and unfairness of the authority, through the sheriff, they do not seem to agree with him. After plotting revenge against the sheriff, Parson tries to prevent it but ends up becoming a victim. The plot of the novel describes a society that is similar to the American Society.
Dorinda Cayce
At the beginning of the novel, Dorinda is described as a woman of golden who seemed like the young civilization type (Craddock 4). She is described as a pioneer woman in the new civilization of the world in the mountains. She wears her hair drawn back, leaving only tendrils above her brow. She tucks it using a comb towards her head’s back in a knot that most of the mountain dwellers discriminated against as Grecian in civilization (Craddock 223). She is presented as a young woman with both the typical Victorian heroine and the heroic ideal. The author reveals Dorinda’s attitude in a way to portray the mountain people as inherently heroic and noble and that they are capable of refined sentiments. Several traits of Dorinda Cayce reflect a typical American.
Belief in Personal Freedom
Most Americans consider their personal freedom as the most standing out virtue in relation to the modern and industrialized nations. Personal freedom entails a situation where a person is self-directed and self-determined. Personal freedom involves both intrinsic and extrinsic values. One has to be free from within, even if they face limitations on their external freedom. Personal freedom guides an individual and makes them make choices about their personal lives, and what they would like to do. One can decide on supporting others or not, assisting on a given issue. Dorinda believes that she can make her choices. Although the sheriff threatens her about the whereabouts of Rick, she believes that she has the personal freedom not to assist the sheriff in the search. The threats she receives from sheriff make her feel like her personal freedom is intruded and she plots revenge against him. The spirit and belief that she has the freedom to make personal decisions are American traits.
Individualism
Individualism entails being separated from others and demonstrating personal necessities, beliefs, and aspirations. Americans are individualistic, and they are able to deliver individualism to society in whichever way they want. Most Americans like standing out in society through their personalities. They believe that people should respect their views and they will always state their beliefs; they expect other people to respect their beliefs. Individuality entails a person’s inner being as well as the outer-self. In the novel, Dorinda Cayce is depicted as an individualistic person because she believes in her actions and not what others may or may not want. Although she supports what Parson believes, she has her own stand and, as a result, even when the Parson gets out of jail, she does not listen to him in regard to forgiving the sheriff. She believes that her plans will be successful.
Patriotism
Patriotism is a person’s love for his/ her country or community and the willingness to sacrifice for it. Most Americans will support the place where they live. They are always proud to be American, but more so, they are proud of their neighborhood. They will always complain and even take action when intruders or outsiders introduce new changes in their community. They always complain about national television or conduct peaceful demonstrations to ensure that the intruders do not change their community. However, in most cases, the new rules or regulations will stick and they have to adapt but they keep complaining. However, this change never gets accepted without a tussle. Similarly, Dorinda does not believe in the intrusion by the sheriff, who is an outsider. She believes that he is not supporting her society, but he is out to deteriorate their living conditions. As a result, she is against his rules and regulations, and she does not support his search for Rick.
Honesty
Honesty involves being truthful about one's feelings. Americans do not hide their anger with a smile. They prefer telling things, without the need to hide reality or true feelings. It is common for Americans to openly reject a proposal if they dislike it. It is clearly depicted in the character of Dorinda Cayce. She is honest about her attitude towards the sheriff and the issues that he introduces in the mountain community. When the sheriff approaches her and tells her that she knows about Rick’s location, she does not agree and she even engages in a verbal tussle with him. She does not hide her disagreement with his perception of the mountain people, and also his idea to control them. She also tells him that she would never support him in his endeavors in the search of Rick.
Determination
Determination entails being firm about a purpose and continuing to act in a given way so as to achieve a target that might be difficult. Being determined means fixing once mind towards achieving a goal or a target, regardless of the situation or other factors. Americans understand that their country is the world’s superpower and as a result, they express determination in their activities. They do not believe in giving up, regardless of the conditions or the probability of failure. Determination can be expressed through most of the modern-day inventions that emanate from the USA. In the book The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains, the author portrays Dorinda Cayce as a determined woman. She is against the sheriff and starts her plan to revenge against him. She continues with her plan even after Rick escapes and does not agree to marry her. Her determination is expressed when the Parson gets released from jail and finds her still planning to revenge sheriff.
Ability to Influence
As a result of the determination in Americans, they are able to influence other people in many life aspects. Their influence surpasses the borders and has a global impact. Americans come up with ideas and influence many people into supporting them. In the novel, The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dorinda Cayce is determined about her revenge against the sheriff; her brothers and father join her. It expresses her influence within society.
