Analytical Response C: Story Review

T.C. Boyle’s Captured by the Indians was an interesting story because it made the reader choose sides between the main characters, Melanie and Sean. Sean was focused on the theory of life. He seemed to agree with the harsh lecture given by Dr. Toni Brinsley-Schneider which stated that certain people such as criminals and mentally challenged are not expected to be supported by society because they only impair the success of a population. Melanie on the other hand could not believe this statement to have any truth and often found Sean and his theory hard to deal with. Because the reader was able to understand Melanie’s insights, Melanie’s struggle to tell Sean that she was pregnant became a struggle of the reader as well. I found this connection to be helpful in understanding the plotline of the story. The only confusing part of the novel seemed to be the end when Melanie gives a final account from her book Captured by the Indians. It leaves the reader to interpret how that story related to the life of Melanie, Sean, and their child. The message of the story was that theory cannot compare to the harsh realities of life. This theme is shown as Sean runs outside trying to attack the man who broke into their neighbor’s house. As Melanie views this scene she reflects on the fact that theory cannot help in this situation. It is in this moment that grace is found as Sean steps into a reality in which theory cannot be applied. Melanie also will find grace now that she knows she can no longer wait to tell Sean that she is pregnant. Lastly, this story can be compared to Boyle’s Killing Babies because it involves a theme of the importance of human life and the struggle that often must be overcome to protect it. Also, In Killing Babies the protestors fight to stop the practices at the clinic. Because they are so caught up in the theory of the practice, they cannot see the reality of the harms that pregnancy can sometimes cause the women. Sean is similar to the protestors in that it is difficult for him to see past the theories in his life and he needs an awakening to help him.

Jacqueline Pasulka