The+Coffee-Making

Summary ~ In this chapter, Zitkala-Sa's mother leaves their wigwam and leaves Zitkala-Sa home alone. Not long after, a guest comes to visit Zitkala-Sa's mother. As soon as the guest comes inside, Zitkala-Sa begins to try and make him coffee and bread. She knows that the coffee she made isn't very good, but gives it to him anyway. When she gives it to him, it tastes awful, but the guest does not express that is bad tasting and drinks it. When Zitkala's mother returns, she laughs at the fact that Zitkala-Sa tried to make coffee, something she's never done before. Zitkala-Sa's mother then starts to make some better coffee for the guest.

Analysis ~ In their culture, being polite and respectful is very important. Zitkala-Sa made the coffee and bread as soon as the guest came because she was being polite and a good hostess. The guest drinks the awful tasting coffee because he was being polite. He knew that she put hard work and effort into making the coffee, so to be respectful, he drank it anyways. Zitkala-Sa's mother is also being respectful to both the guest and her daughter by making the guest some better-tasting coffee in a way that doesn't embarrass Zitkala-Sa. On page 28, Zitkala-Sa's mother says, "wait a little longer, and I shall build a fire." What she is saying is that she will make some better coffee for the guest. Saying it in this way doesn't embarrass Zitkala-Sa.


 * Another Summary ~ In this chapter, Zitkala-Sa's mother leaves her alone in their wigwam while she goes to an aunts house. While her mother is away, a village elder arrives at Zitkala-Sa's home. In an attempt to be a polite host, Zitkala begins to make her guest some coffee and bread. Since this is Zitkala's first attempt at making food, the coffee and bread turn out incredibly bad. Her guest accepts the food and drink and begins to consume them. While the man is eating, Zitkala's mother returns from her trip. Once she has settled in, her mother begins to prepare a more suitable meal.

Another Analysis ~ In this culture, respect for not only the elders but for all members of the community is very important. Everyone who lives in this town is a valued member, as is the rest of the environment. When the village elder enters the wigwam, to show this respect, Zitkala begins to make him food and drink. This shows that she can be a good host and that she respects her fellow community members. When the guest drinks the horrible refreshments, he is showing respect for Zitkala and her efforts to make him for comfortable.**

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