“I Will Fight No More” by Chief Joseph is an effective contribution to the always developing literary community. At this time, Realism sustained much prominence, using effective language, structure, and factual material to convey its particular point; therefore, Realism can be found not only in a written formation but possibly a speech, statement, or dialogue between individuals. The piece displays Realism through various aspects. Joseph's style is simplistic and monotonous, also correlating with the idea of Realism. There is still strong emotion and descriptions that determine the overall theme. Although it using much emotion, it lacks originality and establishes itself as a more redundant and monotonous piece. The statement does not contain extra information which make it artistic or flowing. The statement, focus on the more humanistic side of a Native American. He is portrayed as a common character that is mourning the death of his fellow Chiefs. The character wants to remain neutral, simplified, and peaceful. These characteristics determine the piece as a realistic and specified source of literature.
The speech is composed in a very simplistic style, however, the words that Joseph choose to use are picked very carefully to illustrate a more specific picture of the ongoing turmoil and agony being described. He is direct and outright, and this conveys the message directly to the listener or reader without any confusion. "I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever" (Joseph). This statement can be easily inferred or picked apart, due to its simplicity and subject matter. The deaths of those around have overwhelmed his heart and fatigued him, therefore, he cannot and will not undergo anymore fights. The last lines are very prominent and evident because they display a rare quality of bravery. A strong, yet effectively brave individual must be used to admit defeat in a direct way that will test whatever horrible consequences await him or her. From a historical perspective, readers obtain the knowledge that that Chief Joseph was of the Nez Perce Indians, and these Indians had originally been ordered off their own lands in Oregon (McCloskey). Joseph agreed at first, but had to lead his group away from the pursue of white settlers after some tribe members killed some of the white settlers (McCloskey). Some people may say that giving up shows fear and cowardice, but from Joseph's words, we know that he a very wise man, and is choosing his actions carefully to avoid any more deaths of his people. Given this background, this gives this speech a unique form of Realism. It is from a different perspective opposed to the usual viewpoints. So far, a lot of these Realism stories have been from the viewpoints of white Americans or African Americans, but this one gives a look into the Indian culture and their troubled past. He depicts the perspective of Indians as they truly are, therefore, depicting Realism in a successful and undoubtedly effective style (Campbell).
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Joseph, Chief. "I Will Fight No More." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. 533. Print.
McCloskey, Mary Lou. "Surrender Speech of Chief Joseph". 15 Feb 2011. .
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