In reading about coyote's multifarious existence, I can't help but think that American Indian storytelling has a deep root in duality--expressing all traits (distilled: good and evil) through a narrative vessel that expresses both at different times and circumstances. According to necessity, coyote has good and bad motives (on one hand, he selfishly satisfies his curiosity; on the other, he brings something life-giving to the world). These stories illustrate an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between good and evil--the ways they influence and define each other. Animals and nature serve as floating signifiers and their meaning changes to reflect a world governed by emotion and imperative illogicism.
In "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven", Alexie describes a scene at a World's Fair in which the statue of an Indian mechanically moves its arms while saying "The Earth is our mother." This is one truth, but then James, a highly perceptive seven-year-old quips that "Earth is our grandmother and that technology has become our mother and that they both hate each other."
Both are right, and the conflict between those two perspectives is the enlightening aspect.
Photo taken from: Twin Rocks Trading Post
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