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A Navajo woman, Ayah, recalls her tragic past and present in this short story by Silko. She mourns her lost children, her dead son Jimmie, and her husband Chato, who freezes to death in the snow.
- Lullaby Summary & Analysis | LitCharts
Need help with Lullaby in Leslie Marmon Silko's Lullaby?...
- Lullaby Study Guide | Literature Guide | LitCharts
Brief Biography of Leslie Marmon Silko. Born in Albuquerque,...
- Lullaby Summary & Analysis | LitCharts
A short story about an elderly Navajo woman who remembers her past losses and sings a lullaby to her dying husband. Learn about the themes, characters, and context of this Native American Renaissance work by Silko.
- Character and Setting
- Structure
- Interpretations and Meaning
- Connections to Navajo Folklore and History
As indicated in the first paragraph of "Lullaby," the main character, Ayah, is an "old woman" whose "life had become memories." Ayah is a Navajo. Like many other important aspects of Ayah's story, author Leslie Marmon Silko doesn't come right out and reveal Ayah's heritage. It is instead implied through specific details, such as the comparison betw...
The events of "Lullaby" are told out of chronological order. Most of the story's "action," such as Jimmie's death and Danny and Ella's removal, are described through Ayah's memories. This has two effects. The first is the lessening of the raw pain of tragedy. Ayah's misfortunes are truly terrible, but to look back on them from a distance softens th...
"Lullaby" is about many things: the cycle of life, the bond between mother and child, and the importance of remaining true to one's own culture and heritage. The latter is probably the most significant message of "Lullaby," which was first published in 1974 at the beginning of the literary Native American Renaissance. At that time, many Native Amer...
The lullaby that ends "Lullaby" isn't the only aspect of the story that is enhanced by an understanding of Navajo culture and history. For example, one of the most important deities, or god-like beings, in Navajo culture is Changing Woman. Raised by First Man and First Woman, she gave birth to twins (Monster Slayer and Child of Water) and represent...
A short story about an elderly Navajo woman who recalls her life and losses in the snow. The story explores themes of nature, family, and cultural identity, as well as the impact of colonialism and war on the protagonist.
A lyrical story of a Navajo woman's search for her missing son, using imagery and symbols of Navajo culture and traditions. Learn about the style, context, and themes of this short story by the first Native American woman to publish a novel.
A comprehensive guide to the short story Lullaby by Leslie Marmon Silko, a Native American writer who explores the themes of cultural dissonance and fractured identities. Find plot summary, analysis, themes, quotes, characters, symbols, and more.
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Ayah, a Navajo woman, recalls the loss of her children and her husband Chato in a snowy landscape. She sings a lullaby to him, expressing her love and hope for their future.
