Discuss how the story of Black Elk’s life seems to closely parallel the historical changes experienced by the
Oglala Lakota and the other Plains tribes in the late 19th century. How did his way of life change along with his
people’s way of life? How did Black Elk cope with these changes?
The following questions must be addressed…
Why does Black Elk tell the story of his life to Mr. Neihardt?
What is religious about Black Elk's way of looking at the world?
What is Black Elk's vision about? Do you think the vision is "real"? What does his vision say about the
existence of goodness and evil? Why does Black Elk feel that it may only have been a dream? Why does he
feel that he failed the vision?
Why do the Sioux prefer circles to squares?
Why does Black Elk join Buffalo Bill's traveling show? What does he learn from the Wasichus? Who are the
Wasichus and what does the word mean literally?
Once they are on the reservation, why do the Indians begin to dance the Ghost Dance?
Do you think that Black Elk was praying to a different God than Christians pray to? Why or why not? Do you
think Black Elk's religious experience differs from religious experience in the modern world? Do you think his
religion is possible today? Does it offer us anything? Why or Why not?
Sample Solution