The Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

by

Louise Erdrich

The Night Watchman: The Spirit Duplicator Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
They’ve made 35 copies of Millie’s economic survey and four more from a photocopier in the office of Superintendent Tosk. The copies will be sent to local and state officials, radio announcers, and newspapers. In the past, an incorrect census survey had been used to convince Congress that the Turtle Mountain people were prosperous. “I suspect,” Millie says, “they simply wanted our land.” And she thinks the government acts like Native people owe them something, but isn’t it the other way around?
The community continues to come together to oppose the Termination Bill. And Millie puts her finger on the true intentions of so many government actions aimed against Native people: They want to steal land. 
Themes
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action Theme Icon
Oppression and Supposed Good Intentions Theme Icon
Agency and Exploitation Theme Icon