One Thousand White Women: Summary

One Thousand White Women is a historical fiction novel by author Jim Fergus. It deals with the story of May Dodd, a white woman from Chicago who volunteers to take part in a U.S. government program in the late 1800s that sends one thousand white women to marry Cheyenne Indians in an attempt to assimilate them into white culture. Through May’s journey and the stories of the other women in the program, themes of cultural identity, racism, sexism, and social justice are explored. The book also looks at how individuals and groups must grapple with their own preconceived notions and prejudices when confronted with a different culture.

1. How does the novel depict Native American life and culture?
2. What did you think of May Dodd's journey from being a high-society woman to a captive of the Cheyenne Indians?
3. How did the novel explore themes of race, identity, and belonging?
4. How did the character of James McLendon evolve throughout the course of the novel?
5. What do you think motivated Susette LaFlesche to travel with May Dodd and the other white women?
6. What was your opinion on the relationship between May and Little Wolf?
7. In what ways did One Thousand White Women challenge traditional views on gender roles?
8. How did the various characters struggle to reconcile their personal desires with societal norms?
9. What do you think were Jim's true motivations for his actions throughout the novel?
10. Do you think that One Thousand White Women offers any insights into modern-day issues of race and cultural identity?

• The historical context of the novel is fascinating and offers a unique perspective on Native American culture during the 19th century.
• I was particularly drawn to the themes of friendship and loyalty between the female protagonists.
• The vivid descriptions of nature gave the reader an immersive experience in the story's setting.
• The way Jim Fergus explores gender roles and power dynamics is thought-provoking and captivating.
• One Thousand White Women highlights the complexities of colonialism and its effects on both sides of the conflict.
• The author's decision to tell the story from multiple points of view was effective in creating a more dimensional narrative.
• It was interesting to see how each woman's values shaped their reactions to their new environment and experiences.
• The development of May Dodd's character arc made me consider my own biases and beliefs about societal conventions.
• I appreciated how this novel showcased the strength and resilience of women in difficult circumstances.
• One Thousand White Women sheds light on a lesser-known chapter in American history and provides an important reminder of our shared humanity across cultures.

1. "We have been chosen to live among the Cheyenne, to be wives of their chiefs, and record our impressions of them in a journal."
2. "We are not simply trading our lives for theirs. We are offering up our hearts and souls to make a new life, a better life, out of the one we have."
3. "We must never forget that behind every Indian is a human heart just as capable of love and joy as any white man's heart."
4. "It is only through understanding that we can truly appreciate what it is to be different from ourselves."
5. "The more we learn about each other, the more compassionate we become to each other's plight."

TV: -None Film: -None Radio: -None Podcast: -One Thousand White Women Podcast (2020) by The History Chicks. Theatrical: -One Thousand White Women: The Play (2008) by Jim Fyfe.

• The Wild Girl
• The Sporting Road
• A Fine Country
• The Last Great Showdown
• Vengeance of the Mountain Man
• The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales
• The Silent Season of a Hero
• Leaving Dirt Town
• Vengeance is Mine
• Outlaw Mountain
• The Wild Outlaw
• One Thousand White Horses