Question

Write a rhetorical analysis essay of 6 paragraphs on a chapter of the way to rainy mountain by N. Scott Momaday look at how the structure of the chapter supports the books overall purpose and use specific examples from text to support your claim.

The way to rainy mountain chapter 3 given below:
Before there were horses the Kiowas had need of dogs. That was a long time ago, when dogs could talk. There was a man who lived alone; he had been thrown away, and he made his camp here and there on the high ground. Now it was danger- ous to be alone, for there were enemies all around. The man spent his arrows hunting food. He had one arrow left, and he shot a bear; but the bear was only wounded and it ran away. The man wondered what to do. Then a dog came up to him and said that many enemies were coming; they were close by and all around. The man could think of no way to save himself. But the dog said: "You know, I have puppies. They are young and weak and they have nothing to eat. If you will take care of my puppies, I will show you how to get away." The dog led the man here and there, around and around, and they came to safety.
A hundred years ago the Comanche Ten Bears remarked upon the great number of horses which the Kiowas owned. "When we first knew you," he said, "you had nothing but dogs and sleds." It was so; the dog is primordial. Perhaps it was dreamed into being.
The principal warrior society of the Kiowas was the Ka-itsenko, "Real Dogs," and it was made up of ten men only, the ten most brave. Each of these men wore a long ceremonial sash and carried a sacred arrow. In time of battle he must by means of this arrow impale the end of his sash to the earth and stand his ground to the death. Tradi- tion has it that the founder of the Ka-itsenko had a dream in which he saw a band of warriors, outfitted after the fashion of the society, being led by a dog. The dog sang the song of the Ka-itsenko, then said to the dreamer: "You are a dog; make a noise like a dog and sing a dog song."
There were always dogs about my grandmother's house. Some of them were nameless and lived a life of their own. They belonged there in a sense that the word "ownership" does not include. The old people paid them scarcely any attention, but they should have been sad, I think, to see them go.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

In N. Scott Momaday's The Way to Rainy Mountain, the chapter titled "Before There Were Horses" delves into the significance of dogs in Kiowa culture and their role as guardians and guides for the people. Through an exploration of myth, history, and personal anecdote, Momaday highlights the reverence and connection the Kiowas had with dogs. The structure of the chapter, which weaves together mythological stories, historical accounts, and personal reminiscences, supports the overall purpose of honoring and preserving Kiowa traditions and beliefs. Through the chapter's structure, Momaday effectively draws parallels between the past and present, showing the enduring significance of dogs in Kiowa culture.

In the opening paragraphs of the chapter, Momaday introduces the reader to a mythological tale of a man who is saved by a talking dog from impending danger. This story sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, emphasizing the importance of dogs as protectors and guides for the Kiowa people. The use of mythological storytelling adds depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting the spiritual connection between the Kiowas and their animal companions. By starting with a myth, Momaday establishes a sense of reverence and awe for the role of dogs in Kiowa culture, setting the stage for the historical and personal accounts that follow.

Momaday then transitions to a historical account of the Kiowas' transition from dogs to horses as their primary mode of transportation. Through the words of Comanche Ten Bears, Momaday showcases the evolution of Kiowa society and their increasing dependence on horses. This historical perspective helps to contextualize the significance of dogs in Kiowa culture and their eventual displacement by horses. By juxtaposing the past with the present, Momaday underscores the importance of honoring and preserving traditional beliefs and practices in the face of change.

The chapter also delves into the significance of dogs in Kiowa warfare, specifically the warrior society known as the Ka-itsenko or "Real Dogs." Momaday recounts a dream in which the founder of the society sees a band of warriors being led by a dog, emphasizing the bravery and loyalty associated with dogs in Kiowa culture. The use of dream imagery adds a mystical quality to the narrative, highlighting the spiritual connection between the Kiowas and their animal allies. Through this storytelling device, Momaday symbolically links the past with the present, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Ka-itsenko and their connection to dogs.

Finally, Momaday reflects on the dogs that were a constant presence in his grandmother's house, highlighting the deep sense of belonging and connection the Kiowas had with their animal companions. The nameless dogs that roamed freely around the house symbolize the enduring spirit of the Kiowa people and their deep-rooted connection to nature. Through this personal anecdote, Momaday conveys the emotional attachment and respect the Kiowas had for their dogs, emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the structure of the chapter "Before There Were Horses" in The Way to Rainy Mountain effectively supports the book's overall purpose of honoring and preserving Kiowa traditions and beliefs. Through a combination of myth, history, and personal reflection, Momaday underscores the significance of dogs in Kiowa culture and their role as protectors and guides for the people. By weaving together different narrative threads, Momaday draws parallels between the past and present, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Kiowa people and their deep connection to their animal companions.