The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts

Name: The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts
Author: Mary Austin

By Mary Austin

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A three-act drama follows a community grappling with the choice of a war leader as council deliberations, ritual consultations, and public ceremonies determine the course of action against a neighboring group. The narrative interweaves scenes of ceremonial medicine, rivalry and subtle bribery among candidates, private anxieties about honor and fate, and efforts to discern divine favor through offerings and omens. Stage directions and dialogic exchanges alternate with dance and costume sequences, using native vocabulary and ritual detail to portray how communal belief, tradition, and personal ambition shape collective decisions about war and identity.

About the Author

Mary Austin

Mary Austin (1868-1934) was an American author and playwright known for her vivid portrayals of the American West and its landscapes. Her works often explore themes of nature, identity, and the intersection of cultures. Among her notable books is "The Land of Little Rain," a collection of essays that reflects her deep appreciation for the desert environment of California. Austin's writing is characterized by its lyrical style and keen observations of both the natural world and the human experience. In addition to her literary contributions, she was an advocate for Native American rights and played a significant role in the early conservation movement.