Module 2: Traditional Tales - THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

DePaola, Tomie. 1988. THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399215344

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this beautiful retelling of a Native American legend, Little Gopher, the smallest boy in the tribe of the People who traveled the Plains, discovers his talents and his place within the tribe when he follows the advice of his Dream-Vision to paint the story of his People and the amazingly beautiful sunset. Little Gopher used his talents to create many wonderful paintings of warriors and Dream-Visions, but he was not satisfied with the colors he had for the painting of the sunset until a voice tells him that he will find the colors he needs the next day. He finds paintbrushes the exact colors of the sunset the next evening, and his wonderfully bright paintbrushes are left on the hill where they take root and bloom as gorgeous wildflowers. In the end, Little Gopher is praised for his great paintings and contributions to the tribe.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The main character of this tale, Little Gopher, embodies a blend of human qualities that readers will easily identify with. Being the smallest boy in the tribe, Little Gopher wrestles with his individual differences and often wishes he was more like the other children who would grow up to be warriors. Little Gopher’s inherent goodness, devotion to his tribe, and dedication to his artistic talents ultimately triumph in the end, bringing him pride and recognition amongst his People. Little Gopher’s character is an example of the classic underdog, and readers will rejoice as he finds success by staying true to himself.

THE LEGEND OF THE INDIAN PAINTBRUSH is a pour quoi story, attempting to explain the occurrence of wildflowers called Indian Paintbrushes according to a Native American legend. The legend centers around Little Gopher, the smallest boy in his tribe who learns to use his talents and differences in a remarkable way. Unlike the other children who will grow up to become skilled warriors, Little Gopher was given the talent of being an artist. When Little Gopher goes to the hills to think about becoming a man, he is visited by a Dream-Vision that tells him that his place among his People will be to paint pictures of the warriors and the visions of the shaman so that they will be remembered forever. Little Gopher is also instructed by his Dream-Vision to find a white buckskin and “paint a picture that is as pure as the colors in the evening sky.” Little Gopher painted many great pictures of his People, but he could not find the right colors to paint the bright and beautiful sunset. One night, he hears a voice that tells him that he will find the colors he needs on the ground of the hills where he watches the sunset every evening. The next evening, Little Gopher returns to the hill and finds brushes filled with the perfect colors of paint to capture the amazing sunset. He leaves the paintbrushes on the ground, where they take root in the earth and spread. From then on, the brightly colored wildflowers bloom each spring, and Little Gopher’s People are grateful for his talents and contributions and praise him as “He-Who-Brought-the-Sunset-to-the-Earth.” Readers of all ages will appreciate the simplicity of the plot, which focuses the reader’s attention on the sheer beauty of the tale.

The story takes place “many years ago when the People traveled the Plains and lived in a circle of teepees.” The setting is significant to the story because the reader immediately understands that this is a Native American folktale that originated long ago.

This beautiful tale easily conveys to the reader the importance of staying true to yourself and following your own path. This theme is underscored throughout the legend as Little Gopher struggles between wanting to be like everyone else and wanting to follow his natural talent, artistry. Readers will find themselves wanting Little Gopher to be himself and follow his Dream-Vision of painting, and they will be overjoyed when his dedication to his individual talents secures him an important place within the larger group.

DePaola’s simple style and wording has the amazing ability to convey the profoundness of the story’s message. By excluding complications and unnecessary details, dePaola retells the folktale in a way that maintains its oral quality, enhancing the legend’s message and authenticity. DePaola’s blending of careful word choice and beautiful illustrations really allow the reader to fully experience the folktale.

The story is categorically enhanced by dePaola’s beautiful painterly illustrations. The drawings are simple and not at all complicated, which matches well with the simple message of the legend. DePaola’s use of color is amazing, and he captures the warmth and true beauty of the sunset easily. The beautiful illustrations are the perfect complement to this beautiful folktale.

While the story does not attempt to explain a lot about Native American culture, the significance of culture to the legend can still be perceived throughout the story. The importance of warriors to the tribe is made clear, and the tribe’s custom of going “out to the hills alone to think about becoming a man” is touched upon. DePaola also includes language that can be considered important to the culture, such as “Dream-Vision.” The cultural significance of nature to the story can be seen in the brilliantly colored paintbrushes that take root and spread to become wildflowers. Furthermore, the reader is reminded of the importance of culture as Little Gopher discovers his role in contributing to his tribe and preserving the history of his culture through painting.

This story is both beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, and I believe it deserves a place in any folktale collection. From its simple message of staying true to one’s self to its ability to expose readers of all ages to this wonderful legend, dePaola’s beautiful retelling of this Native American folktale should not be overlooked.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (June 1988):
“The humanity expressed in this story illustrates the value of perseverance, and of endurance of effort that will bring its reward. DePaola's softly rounded shapes and his hero's diminutive stature, downcast eyes, and sober mien breathe attitudes of acceptance, of quiet waiting, of diligent persistence. The picture of the boy gazing mutely, patiently, into the western sky is ineffably moving. And dePaola must have had a wonderful time painting the gloriously uplifting skies depicted here.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (May 13, 1988):
“This tale is related with deceptive simplicity by dePaola; he enhances the plainness of the story with his primitive illustrations, and, like Little Gopher, he finds inspiration in the colors of the sunset.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW (1988):
“The retelling is pleasantly cadenced, even though it tells us more about the artist's need for self-expression within any society than about Plains Indians. And dePaola's somber tones burst forth into satisfyingly brilliant sunsets. This should do well at picture-book tour.”

CONNECTIONS:

*Activities:
This story lends itself well as a companion to a unit on Native American culture, legends, and art. After reading the story, students could be encouraged to further investigate and explore any or all of these topics and how they relate to Native American culture.

Students could also be encouraged to further explore wildflowers (where they grow, origins of their names, etc.) after reading this story.

*Other folktales retold by Tomie dePaola:
DePaola, Tomie. 1983. THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 9780399209376

DePaola, Tomie. 1994. THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399216928

*Websites:
http://www.intangibility.com/inw/Wildflowers/Indian-Paintbrush.html
http://www.homeschoolshare.com/legend_of_the_indian_paintbrush.php
http://stancock.iweb.bsu.edu/CyberLessons/paintbrush/Indian%20paintbrush.html
http://www.tomie.com/