In Tommy Orange's novel "There There," the present-day stories of the characters are closely connected to the historical references made in the prologue and interlude chapters. One of the interstitial chapters, "Indian Head," provides insight into the origins and significance of the Indian Head nickel, which serves as a symbol for the characters in the novel.
The Indian Head nickel, minted between 1913 and 1938, features the image of a Native American man on one side and the image of a buffalo on the other. The coin is a representation of the government's attempt to assimilate Native Americans and erase their culture. The coin is also a reminder of the forced removal of Native Americans from their land and the many broken treaties that were made with them.
Similarly, the characters in the novel are also struggling with the effects of assimilation and the loss of their cultural identity. They are struggling to navigate the complexities of being Native American in the modern world and to find a sense of belonging in a society that has attempted to erase their existence.
The character of Orvil, for example, is deeply affected by the Indian Head nickel. He is fascinated by the coin, and it serves as a symbol of the culture that has been taken away from him. He is unable to find a connection to his heritage and feels like an outsider in his own community. Similarly, the character of Dene Oxendene is also struggling to find a sense of belonging. He is trying to reconnect with his culture through his art, but finds it difficult to reconcile the past with the present.
In conclusion, the "Indian Head" interlude chapter serves as a powerful symbol of the themes of assimilation, cultural identity, and the loss of heritage. It is closely connected to the present-day stories of the characters in the novel, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles that Native Americans face in the modern world. The Indian Head nickel is not just a historical reference, but a powerful symbol that encompasses the themes of the novel in a single image.