Two Old Women

“Stories are gifts given by an elder to a younger person.”

The narrator explains why she chose to write this story down for others’ consumption. This remark elevates the story from mere entertainment to an important intergenerational message. This quote also sets up a divide between the young and old, a divide which constantly surfaces throughout the novella.

“[I]t caused less pain to think about certain things than to speak about them.”

Shruh Zhuu makes this discovery when he realizes the consequences of trying to save his grandmother. The quote reveals how the nature of his community contributes to secretive behavior and a lack of emotion. It also demonstrates The People’s penchant for separating their inner and outer selves, a flaw which eventually causes them much pain.

“They think that we are too old and useless.”

Sa’ says this to Ch’idzigyaak immediately after they are abandoned by The People; she is attempting to persuade her companion to feel the same vengeance she does. The quote calls attention to the ageist misconception that one’s importance to society is relative to one’s physical output. This quote also highlights the idea that perception does not always equal truth.

“Let us die trying, not sitting.”

Sa’ tries to inspire Ch’idzigyaak with this line during the motivational speech she gives her after they are abandoned. Sa’ reinforces the idea that sloth can be a serious sin, a crucial concept in their community. She insists they will die with dignity if they are active rather than passive. It is this call to activity which starts their path to survival.

“What a pampered pair they had been!”

Based on her new living situation, it does not take long for Ch’idzigyaak’s perspective to shift from dissatisfaction to gratitude and appreciation. It predicts the trend toward gratitude.

“I know that you are sure of our survival. You are younger.”

Ch’idzigyaak makes this cutting remark as Sa’ acts optimistic about their future. Although Ch’idzigyaak herself is currently the victim of ageist policies, she continues to perpetuate the ageist line of thought when she implies that wisdom is determined by age. As the older of the two, she feels it’s appropriate to insult Sa’ for not being smart enough to know how bad their situation is.

“We are like helpless babies.”

Sa’ makes this comment to Ch’idzigyaak in reference to the way that old age has often left them acting like children. It is evident that Sa’ is having a change of heart. She sees that their contribution to their community is similar to that of a baby’s contribution to society, one based on dependence rather than interdependence. She is admitting that they skirted some of their responsibilities unnecessarily in order to be more comfortable.

“We talk of […] how good it was in our day when really it was no better.”

Sa’ says this to Ch’idzigyaak the first morning they wake up alone. She is admitting to relying on the logical fallacy called “appeal to tradition,” which means that whatever is traditional is best. Not only is she bucking tradition, a concept highly valued by their tribe, but she is also admitting to being ageist for disliking the youth based solely on their age. This confession opens the path for healthier, more honest connections between generations in the future.

“Despite having to make many detours around obstacles, the women never completely lost their sense of direction.”

While this observation is made in regard to the path around the lake, it is symbolic of the protagonists’ lives. Though their previous laziness created obstacles to their survival, it is clear from their current state of determination and hard work that they ultimately always had the ability to persevere. As long as the women focus on their goal, they can overcome any obstacle.

“Sa’ marveled at the power the land held over people like herself, over the animals, and even over the trees.”

his thought, which Sa’ later shares with Ch’idzigyaak, accents the overarching “man versus nature” conflict. While previously Sa’ and Ch’idzigyaak were known for voicing petty personal complaints, Sa’ now “marvel[s]” at a world she previously resented. This newfound respect for the earth allows the women to be successful in their quest for survival.

“She was amazed that she could sit and listen to Sa’ cry and feel no emotion.”

Ch’idzigyaak has this thought after listening to Sa’ cry out in pain due to sleeping for too long in the cold. Ch’idzigyaak’s lack of empathy demonstrates that their recent hardship has also taken a toll on her mental health. The physical labor plus the mental anguish of losing her family has led Ch’idzigyaak to become desensitized.

“I did not think the leaders were strong.”

Sa’ makes this comment in reference to the leaders of her former tribe who chose to abandon the weak. In this moment, Sa’ reveals that her worldview differs from that of her community. Her idea of what constitutes strength differs from the dominant population’s definition. Additionally, her ability to resist the institutionalized practices of her group shows that she has always been determined, and not just in the present emergency. It opens the gates for questioning a leadership that previously seemed untouchable to Ch’idzigyaak.

“I realized the importance of being in a large group. The body needs food, but the mind needs people.”

Sa’ says this to Ch’idzigyaak after she explains that she went insane living by herself as a young woman.  This realization proves that one of the tribe’s main tenants of belief, that physical labor constitutes one’s value as a human being, is fundamentally flawed. Valuing both mental and physical labor produces a successful society.

“The People would have chosen a man for me too, had I been with them much longer.”

Sa’ says this after Ch’idzigyaak reveals that she was forced into an arranged marriage. This quote points out the rigid gender roles that domineer The People’s society.

“The People rarely spent their precious time in idle conversation […] But these women made an exception during the long evenings. They talked. And a sense of mutual respect developed.”

Throughout the novella, the tribe’s policies are continuously exposed as flawed. In this quote, the tribe’s attention to physical, but not mental, nourishment is highlighted as a weakness. It is implied that the community members could not respect each other because they did not really know each other. The women’s ability to talk is one of the keys to their survival.

“[T]hese trails either have been forgotten or changed by younger generations seeking shortcuts.”

This line pertains to a map of the Yukon Flats meant to show the general paths of several tribes that once lived in the Arctic. It reifies the generational divide intrinsic to The People’s culture. Because “younger generations” and their “shortcuts” are responsible for changing the paths, it implies a supposed change in work ethic between the older and younger generations.

“I think many more years were taken from me while I worried about you.”

Ch’idzigyaak says this after Sa’ disappears for a day so she can search a nearby hill. The quote reveals how viscerally the two women need each other. If Sa’ were to have been hurt or killed, she would have caused Ch’idzigyaak to suffer the same fate. Also, the quote is evidence of a change in Ch’idzigyaak as she allows herself to speak about her emotions.

“[T]aking them back into the band would have been the worst thing for him to do […] the more ambitious younger men would have seen this as an act of weakness.”

The Chief of The People ponders this as he attempts to make himself feel better about abandoning the two women. The Chief’s thought reveals that fostering emotional health is vilified within The People’s community. The quote is ironic because the two old women are able to survive because they expressed, rather than withheld, emotion. The quote also draws further attention to the generational divide because it is the “younger” men The Chief worries will not understand him.

“Finding the women alive would give the people a second chance.”

The Chief of The People has this thought when he decides to send out a search party to look for the two old women. This is an ironic turning point in the novella because the women who were initially considered to be the weakest link in the community are now sought after for their ability to heal and save.

“Take a closer look around you.”

Daagoo gives this advice to the younger men who comprise the search party. While this quote is directed at the young men, the essence of it applies to the novella as a whole. If the Chief looked closer at the old women before abandoning them, he would have realized their potential strength. If the two women looked closer at themselves, they would have recognized, instead of buried, their potential.

“Just keep smelling.”

When the young men in the search party are ready to give up, Daagoo urges them to try a little harder to pick up the scent of smoke. Daagoo stresses that persistence is key. The women’s unflagging persistence to survive, and the search party’s refusal to back down are both rewarded with success.

“We are sorry for what was done to you.”

Daagoo’s apology to the two women reveals The People’s transformation since the start of the women’s journey. The People are now in a position to admit weakness rather than blame someone else for their faults. This shows that the women’s power has transcended their personal lives and inspired the lives of others.

“[T]hey had been witness to a miraculous survival.”

This quote refers to the young men of the search party, who decide to defend the two old women at the risk of their own deaths. The women’s survival against all odds provides the men with a newfound resilience, and a resurgence of hope for The People.