"At the heart of fiction is where the truth sleeps"

Smoke Dancing by Eric Gansworth
Post 2

The last section of this novel seems to be where true characters of people arise. We find out the true characters of not only Bud and Mason but also of Fiction (Patricia). The events that occur in this section still portray a clash of cultures: tradition versus new ways of life. This clash is what ultimately leads the reader to seeing the true insights of the characters. Bud goes crazy and his corruption is finally revealed entirely and the people of the tribe work to resign him from the position of chief. Mason is revealed as a scumbag when he tries to force himself on Fiction and then the reader is brought back to seeing him as an okay person when he tries to save Ruby. We see Fiction change from her former self, who created works of fiction and stories/lies, into Patricia who was no longer referred to as Fiction when the tribe members realize that Bud's name should have been Fiction. Bud's corruption being revealed showed the tribe members that he was truly the one that was telling lies and making up stories; however, his stories actually harmed the reservation while Patricia's did not.
The revealing of characters was an important aspect of this section because of all the transformation that occurred not only in this section but throughout the entire novel. I really liked how the novel ended with Two Step's perspective because it showed that he was becoming an important member of the tribe and the next generation. Throughout the novel the reader doesn't get his perspective and the transformations the last section of the novel brings makes it possible for his voice to be heard and him to step up to his position within the tribe.