How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Then once again the Indian was bending over him, holding a wooden spoon against his lips. He swallowed in spite of himself, even when he found it was not food, but some bitter medicine. (5.11)
Why would Saknis choose to help Matt? He doesn't even know him.
Quote #2
Three days later Saknis brought him a pair of moccasins. They were handsome and new, of moosehide, dark and glistening with grease, tied with stout thongs that were long enough to wrap around his ankles. (6.24, 27)
Saknis is not only observant—he's compassionate. And it's because of his compassionate nature that Saknis helps Matt even though he's white. The world could use a few more Saknises, that's for sure.
Quote #3
Attean did not grin back. He stood over the bear, and he began to speak, slowly and solemnly, in his own tongue. He spoke for a long time.
"What were you saying?" Matt demanded when the speaking was over.
"I tell bear I do not want to kill," Attean answered. […] "I ask bear to forgive that I must kill." (15.11-15)
Even though there is a celebration following the killing of the bear, Attean teaches Matt a lesson here. Creatures are not merely playthings to kill for sport, and they deserve respect as co-inhabitants of the Earth. (Shmoop just hugged a very large tree.)
Quote #4
It came over Matt with a rush of shame how very shabby he must look in their eyes. Even if Attean had warned him, what could he have done? He had no other clothes to wear. Probably Attean had known that and so had said nothing. (16.12)
What a good friend. Despite Attean's disdain for all things white, he still cares about Matt's feelings. He could have made Matt feel like a real idiot… but he didn't. That's man love for sure.
Quote #5
Matt felt his own muscles tense with anger. His mind was made up in an instant. […] Turtle tribe or no, he was not going to walk away from Attean's dog. Somehow he had to get that dog out of the trap. (18.7)
Why does Attean's dog mean so much to Matt in this moment? The dog is smelly, ugly, and mean. Why go so far to protect it?
Quote #6
Without speaking, the woman tended him, washing his hand with clean warm water. From a painted gourd she scooped a pungent-smelling paste and spread it over the wound, then bound his hand with a length of clean blue cotton. (18.36)
The Indians respect nature and, it seems, injured white boys. Saknis cares for Matt when he's sick, and even Attean's grandmother, the White Man Hater, seeks to tend his wound. Compassion is more important than prejudice in this case.
Quote #7
His harsh words did not fool Matt for a moment. Nor did they fool the dog. […] Attean reached into his pouch and brought out a strip of dried meat. Then he bent and very gently took the broken paw into his hands. (18.58)
When it comes to healing, the Beaver clan is where it's at—if anyone can help the mangy dog, it's Attean and his peeps.
Quote #8
"My grandmother very surprise white boy go long way for Indian dog," Attean explained. "She say you come." (19.5)
The white men who killed Attean's mom did so for bragging rights, but Matt, on the other hand, is willing to put himself in danger to save a good-for-nothing Indian dog. No wonder he finally wins Attean's grandma over. Warm fuzzies all around.
Quote #9
The dog jumped in after him and settled down only a few inches from Matt's knees. He had never willingly come so close before.
Attean noticed and commented. "Dog remember."
[…] Could a dog caught in a trap […] sense that someone was trying to help him? […] Very slowly Matt reached down and laid his hand on the dog's back. The dog did not stir or growl. (19.22-24)
Does the dog remember? Has Matt's bravery finally won him over? Or is he just sick of hating Matt?
Quote #10
Attean held the watch even more carefully. There was no mistaking that he was pleased and impressed. Probably, Matt thought, Attean would never learn to use it. The sun and the shadows of the trees told him all he needed to know about the time of day. But Attean knew that Matt's gift was important. (22.34)
Attean scorns the tools of white folks, but Matt is his friend—even his brother—so though the watch is something Attean may never use, he will never, ever, scorn it either.