Comprehensive Analysis of Sherman Alexie’s “Crow Testament”

Sherman Alexie’s “Crow Testament” is a poignant poem that explores the historical and ongoing
struggles of Native American communities through the lens of the crow, a multifaceted symbol and
narrator. By weaving themes of survival, resilience, cultural loss, and poverty with biblical
allusions, humor, and tragedy, Alexie critiques the devastating impact of colonialism while
celebrating Native American identity and endurance. This response addresses the poem’s portrayal
of survival and resilience, its use of biblical allusions and symbolism, its blend of humor and
tragedy, and the crow’s role as a narrator and symbol, highlighting how these elements reflect the
historical and spiritual struggles of Native peoples.
Theme of Survival and Resilience
The theme of survival is central to “Crow Testament,” encapsulating the enduring spirit of Native
American communities in the face of colonial oppression. The poem ’ s seven sections trace the
crow ’ s journey through various forms of violence and marginalization, mirroring the historical
experiences of Native peoples. In the opening section, “Cain lifts Crow, that heavy black bird /
And strikes down Abel, ” the crow is implicated in violence, symbolizing the onset of colonial
disruption. The crow’s resigned comment, “Damn, says Crow, I guess this is just the beginning,”
reflects an awareness of ongoing struggles, yet its persistence across the poem underscores
resilience. Similarly, in Section 6, the crow’s act of “picking at the beer bottles / For a few cents of
redemption ” highlights the economic desperation on reservations, yet the act of seeking
redemption—however meager—signifies survival amidst poverty. The final section, where “Crow
rides a pale horse into a crowded powwow / But none of the Indians panic, ” encapsulates
collective resilience. The lack of panic at the apocalyptic imagery of death suggests Native
communities ’ familiarity with adversity, while their presence at the powwow — a cultural
celebration — affirms cultural survival. These instances illustrate how Native Americans have
endured centuries of genocide, displacement, and systemic marginalization, maintaining their
identity through adaptability and perseverance.
Crow as a Symbol of Native American Identity in the Context of Colonization
The crow serves as a powerful symbol of Native American identity, embodying the marginalized
yet resilient spirit of indigenous peoples under colonial domination. Unlike romanticized symbols
like eagles, the crow is a common, often maligned bird, reflecting the devalued status imposed on
Native communities by colonial powers. In Section 4, the “ white man, disguised as a falcon,
swoops in / And yet again steals a salmon from Crow’s talons,” directly parallels the historical
theft of Native lands and resources by European settlers. The empty talons symbolize the loss of
sovereignty and sustenance, a direct consequence of colonization. The crow’ s role as a narrator,
observing and commenting on its suffering, mirrors the Native American voice that persists
through storytelling and cultural memory despite attempts to erase it. Furthermore, the “Crow God”
in Section 5, resembling a crow, critiques the imposition of Christianity by affirming a distinct
Native spirituality that resists colonial assimilation. By embodying both victimhood and agency,
the crow symbolizes Native American identity as one that navigates the tensions between
traditional culture and modern challenges, resisting erasure through cultural continuity and
adaptability.
Use of Biblical Allusions and Symbolism to Critique Colonialism
Alexie employs biblical allusions and symbolism to critique the destructive impact of colonialism,
particularly through the imposition of Christianity and the resulting cultural and spiritual disruption.
The poem reimagines biblical narratives to highlight themes of violence, loss, and exploitation. In
Section 1, the Cain and Abel allusion positions the crow as a tool of violence, symbolizing how
colonial powers introduced conflict into Native societies. The crow ’ s involvement suggests the
manipulation of indigenous peoples in their own subjugation. Section 2 references the Battle of
Jericho, where “ Crow sacrifices his firstborn son / To the ashes of Jericho, ” symbolizing the
immense losses — cultural, familial, and spiritual — inflicted by colonial wars and forced
assimilation. The “ashes” evoke the destruction of Native communities, akin to the biblical city’s
fall. In Section 7, the allusion to the Book of Revelation, with “Crow rides a pale horse,” invokes
apocalyptic imagery to depict the death and devastation wrought by colonialism, yet the lack of
panic among the Indians underscores their resilience. Symbolically, the “Crow God” critiques the
imposition of Christian deities, suggesting that Native spirituality, rooted in indigenous imagery, is
self-sufficient and resistant to colonial religion. The beer bottle in Section 6 symbolizes both
economic desperation and the pervasive issue of alcoholism on reservations, a legacy of colonial
policies that disrupted traditional lifeways. These allusions and symbols collectively expose how
colonialism, bolstered by religious imposition, fractured Native American communities while
highlighting their enduring resistance.
Blending Humor and Tragedy to Address Cultural Loss and Poverty
Alexie masterfully blends humor and tragedy to address the profound issues of cultural loss and
poverty, creating a tone that is both satirical and deeply moving. The crow’s sardonic remarks, such
as “Damn, says Crow, I guess this is just the beginning” after Abel’s death, inject humor into a
tragic narrative, reflecting the Native American tradition of using wit to cope with adversity. This
humor underscores the absurdity of colonial violence while asserting the crow ’ s agency as a
commentator. Similarly, in Section 5, the crow’s quip, “If I could swim, I’d flee this country, ”
humorously expresses a desire to escape oppression, yet the inability to swim underscores the tragic
reality of being trapped in a colonized space. The tragedy of cultural loss is evident in the “ashes of
Jericho,” symbolizing the destruction of Native heritage, and the theft of the salmon, representing
the erosion of traditional sustenance. Poverty is starkly portrayed in Section 6, where the crow’s
collection of beer bottles for “a few cents of redemption” highlights the economic marginalization
on reservations, compounded by alcoholism — a tragic legacy of colonial disruption. By
juxtaposing humor with these grim realities, Alexie captures the complexity of Native American
experiences, where laughter serves as a survival mechanism against the weight of cultural and
economic devastation. This blend invites readers to confront the harsh truths of colonialism while
admiring the resilience embedded in Native humor.
Role of the Crow as Narrator and Symbol
The crow ’ s dual role as narrator and symbol is pivotal in reflecting the historical and spiritual
struggles of Native peoples. As a narrator, the crow provides a first-person perspective that lends
authenticity and immediacy to the poem’s critique of colonialism. Its commentary, such as “Damn,
says Crow,” after each traumatic event, conveys a mix of resignation and defiance, mirroring the
Native American voice that persists in documenting its history despite suppression. This narrative
role aligns with the oral storytelling tradition, a cornerstone of Native culture that preserves history
and identity. As a symbol, the crow encapsulates the multifaceted struggles of Native peoples. Its
blackness and perceived ordinariness reflect the marginalization of Native communities, while its
adaptability and survival across the poem’s trials symbolize their resilience. The crow’s spiritual
significance is evident in the “ Crow God, ” which challenges Christian hegemony and affirms
indigenous spirituality as a source of strength. Historically, the crow’s experiences—violence in the
Cain and Abel narrative, loss in Jericho, and theft by the falcon—parallel the colonial history of
genocide, displacement, and resource exploitation. Spiritually, the crow’s persistence, even when
riding the pale horse of death, reflects the enduring faith and cultural continuity of Native
communities. Thus, the crow bridges the historical and spiritual dimensions of Native struggles,
serving as both a witness to and a symbol of their enduring legacy.
Conclusion
“Crow Testament” is a profound testament to the Native American experience, using the crow as a
lens to explore survival, resilience, and identity in the face of colonialism. Through biblical
allusions and symbolism, Alexie critiques the violence, cultural disruption, and spiritual imposition
wrought by colonial powers, while the blend of humor and tragedy captures the dual realities of
loss and endurance. The crow, as both narrator and symbol, embodies the historical and spiritual
struggles of Native peoples, reflecting their marginalization, resilience, and cultural continuity. By
weaving these elements, Alexie not only protests the injustices faced by Native Americans but also
celebrates their unbreakable spirit, making “ Crow Testament ” a vital text in understanding the
complexities of Native American identity and resistance.