The Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

by

Louise Erdrich

The Night Watchman: Good News Bad News Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
As Thomas reads Millie’s report, he thinks the good news is that they’re poor enough to require continued government assistance. The bad news is how poor they are. The good news is that they have schools, but the bad news is that so many people are illiterate. The good news is that they have this report, but the bad news is also the report.
Millie’s report stirs up contradictory feelings in Thomas; it presents the evidence that will give him a good argument to use to testify before Congress, but that argument is also dispiriting.
Themes
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action Theme Icon
Agency and Exploitation Theme Icon