Guests

Dorris, Michael. 1994. GUESTS. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 0786820365

*Plot Summary

Frustrated with his parents and the impending arrival of guests, Moss decides to go to the woods. Although his trip there begins out of frustration, he eventually makes a new friend and learns about himself.

*Critical Analysis

In his novel GUESTS, Michael Dorris creates Moss, a memorable narrator and protagonist. Although Moss lives during the time of the first Thanksgiving, Dorris portrays him as a typical young boy. He sometimes wishes he were older, wonders about girls his age, and disagrees with his father’s decision to invite guests to the family’s harvest feast. Such a believable, dynamic character makes the time period and story approachable. Other multi-dimensional characters include Trouble who is struggling with her role in village life, and Moss’s grandfather who is agitated by the manners of the guests.

There are several cultural markers in regard to the characters. The names of the characters – Moss, Trouble, Cloud, Running Woman, Boulder – reflect Native American culture. Also, Moss’s mother “hummed a corn song” and used a “band of tanned deerskin” to hold back her hair. Finally, the description of one of the visitors to the village telling a story and “doing it all wrong” reveal cultural markers. The man stood up, spoke too loudly, and stared directly into the eyes of his audience.

The plot of the novel revolves around Moss and his feelings about growing up and the visitors who will come for the feast. The conflict is clear, and the resolution is satisfying as Moss begins to understand his time away and his place within his family. Also playing a part in the plot is the relationship between Moss and Trouble and the arrival of the guests. Events in the plot are believable and touch on universal ideas like growing up, making friends, and dealing with people who are different. Cultural markers related to the plot are Moss’s “time away” and the traditional harvest feast in which the family would eat, dance, and listen to the grandfather tell stories.

The idea of the first Thanksgiving is the framework for the setting. However, the more specific settings of the village, community, and the wilderness are most important to the story. Details about the time period and about the culture bring the setting to life. Moss performs chores like gathering wood so his mother can cook for the feast and Moss’s grandmother explains how names are given - “to remind, not describe.” An argument between Moss and Trouble reveals more about their way of life. Women stay home, work in the cornfields, and sew deerskin; meanwhile, men travel for hunting, protect the family, and use a bow. Foods eaten by the family are corn mush, berries, honey, turkey, and bean soup. All of these specific details help readers understand the setting of the novel.

Themes of the novel include coming of age, family, and understanding others. These themes work well in the time period of the novel, but are also accessible to young readers. The style is of the book is comprised of a good balance of dialogue and narration. The narrative is descriptive and, at times, even poetic. “I opened my mouth, opened my eyes, opened my hands, opened my ears. I was a house whose walls had fallen down, all at the same time, during a thunderstorm…” This style adds to the overall tone and flow of the story and doesn’t distract from plotline. Although the style of speech is consistent with contemporary speech patterns, what the characters say reflects the culture and the time period. Finally, the stories told throughout the novel are also cultural markers and add to the style of the novel.

*Response

This is a wonderful book and provides a different perspective to the traditional Thanksgiving story. In addition to that, however, it is a great story. I will recommend it to students and teachers; I will also use it in the library as an example of voice in writing.

*Review Excerpts

Dorris's writing is elegant, full of evocative images and lush metaphors. He develops his intriguing characters in a leisurely way, and places little emphasis on plot. Young readers will need to work hard to piece together the clues that suggest the setting (someplace by the sea) and the identity of the guests (probably white settlers since they arrived after following a ``trail through the sea'').
School Library Journal

Though his narrative may at times seem a little subtle for the intended audience, Dorris has drawn a piercing portrait of a boy and the powerful traditions that shape him.
Publishers Weekly

Though his narrative may at times seem a little subtle for the intended audience, Dorris has drawn a piercing portrait of a boy and the powerful traditions that shape him. Publishers Weekly
Dorris' casual sentences are simple and beautiful, showing in their very particularity that Moss discovers the wonder of familiar things.
BookList

*Connections

-Compare this story to the traditional Thanksgiving story. How are they different? How are they the same?
-Read other works by Michael Dorris.
-Discuss Trouble’s family. What was happening? Should she stay or go?
-Write a journal entry. Did Moss have his true “away time?” Why or why not?