Charles Eastman and the Limits of his Advocacy

Author Information

Jessica Vilk

Abstract/Description

In his second autobiography, "From the Deep Woods to Civilization", Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa) chronicles the beginning of his life, and how his early philosophies shaped his advocacy efforts as an adult. Gently introduced to Western Civilization by his father, Eastman was disconnected from the plight and injustices of Native Americans, but despite this he devoted his life to solving the qualms of his fellow Natives and combating assimilation. Unfortunately, no matter how genuine, the scope of his advocacy was severely limited due to his belief that Native culture could not survive on its own and must combine with the dominant Western world in order to create an unequal amalgamated community. Therefore, his advocacy suffered from a lack of attention to the problems plaguing Natives in their life.

Note on the Author

Jessica Vilk is a senior at Bridgewater State University majoring in English, set to graduate in July 2021. Dr. John Kucich (English) helped oversee the completion of this manuscript. She enjoys studying British literature, particularly Shakespeare and John Milton, because reading such literature offers a glimpse of past values and culture through a deeply entertaining and enlightening lens. In the future, she hopes to be accepted into graduate school and a later Ph.D. program concentrating on British literature.

Recommended Citation

Vilk, Jessica (2021). Charles Eastman and the Limits of his Advocacy. Undergraduate Review, 16, 181-191.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol16/iss1/24

Rights Statement

Articles published in The Undergraduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor’s consent.