The Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

by

Louise Erdrich

The Night Watchman: The Journey Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
On the way to Washington, D.C., they sleep in their coach seats and eat food they’d packed in an overnight bag, not wanting to spend money in the dining car. When they arrive, the vastness of the train station overwhelms them. At the hotel, the two men share one room and the three women another.
By mentioning the ways that the delegation seeks to save money during their trip, this chapter emphasizes how little power the group apparently has in comparison to the power, and wealth, of the forces they are up against. 
Themes
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action Theme Icon
Agency and Exploitation Theme Icon