Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt

A work of literature about the Lakota Sioux from 1860 to 1890, Black Elk Speaks examines the disappearance of the American Indian in a powerful way. It relays several profound themes: the connectedness between human persons and between humans and nature. Its message is that we are one, and that it is noble to eclipse the ego or individuality to live and sacrifice for a great cause. Additional concepts explored in the book are that the human spirit cannot thrive in an atmosphere of oppression and confinement; that might does not make right; that longing for home is a basic human drive; that the compromise of visions or dreams can lead to the loss of one’s sense of self; and that union with nature heals a broken spirit.

About the Series:

Novel/Drama curriculum units contain complete lesson plans with preliminary and follow-up work, teacher notes with plot summary, background, and rationale, ready-to-use worksheets, and suggested answers for student questions. These study guides encourage the development of thinking, reading, speaking, research, and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.