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Cover of The Middle Five: Indian Boys at School

The Middle Five: Indian Boys at School

Written by Francis La Flesche

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Indians of North America

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About this book

"The Middle Five: Indian Boys at School" by Francis La Flesche is a collection of autobiographical sketches written in the early 20th century. This work provides a vivid portrayal of the experiences of young boys from the Omaha tribe attending a mission school, exploring their daily lives, cultural backgrounds, and the challenges they face in a new education system. The narrative focuses on friendship, growth, and the contrasts between their traditional upbringing and the influences of schooling. The opening of the book introduces us to the emotions and experiences of a young Indian boy entering the mission school. The boy is overcome with homesickness, crying for his mother, while a kind older boy reassures him. As the chapters unfold, we learn about the structure of the school and the complex relationships among students from different backgrounds. The experiences of these boys, including their struggles to adapt to an English-speaking environment, their friendships, and their encounters with cultural differences, set the stage for a rich exploration of identity and belonging in an evolving world. Each sketch reflects the author’s intent to present the true nature of Indian boys and how they navigate their multifaceted lives.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Middle Five: Indian Boys at School, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Reflective
  • Poignant
  • Educational

Francis La Flesche's "The Middle Five" offers a poignant collection of autobiographical sketches chronicling the experiences of young Omaha boys at a mission school in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of a young narrator, the book vividly portrays the initial culture shock and homesickness faced by Indigenous children entering a foreign educational system. It delves into the daily lives, enduring friendships, and the complex interplay between their traditional tribal heritage and the transformative influences of Western schooling. The narrative provides a unique and empathetic perspective on Indigenous identity, adaptation, and the challenges of belonging in a rapidly changing world, aiming to reveal the authentic spirit and resilience of these boys.

“The unfamiliar walls seemed to mock my longing, and the sound of my own language was a distant, fading echo.”

Key themes

Cultural Clash and Assimilation
This is the central theme, exploring the profound conflict between the traditional Omaha way of life and the Western educational system imposed by the mission school. The book vividly portrays the boys' struggle to reconcile their Indigenous identity with the foreign language, customs, religion, and educational methods they are forced to adopt, implicitly critiquing the assimilationist policies of the era.
Identity and Belonging
The boys in "The Middle Five" grapple with their evolving identities as they are caught between two distinct cultural worlds. They strive to maintain a sense of who they are as Indigenous individuals while simultaneously adapting to and finding a place within the mission school environment. The theme explores the psychological impact of this dual existence and the search for a sense of belonging.
Friendship and Community
Amidst the challenging and often alienating environment of the mission school, friendship emerges as a powerful source of comfort, strength, and resilience for the boys. Their bonds create a vital sense of community, allowing them to share experiences, offer mutual support, and navigate their difficult circumstances together. This theme highlights the human need for connection in adversity.

Worth discussing

How does La Flesche portray the initial culture shock and homesickness experienced by the boys? What specific details evoke these feelings?

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