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Summary of The Cutting of My Long Hair –
The chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair is about Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, and her painful experience at a boarding school. She arrives at the school on a cold day, where she hears loud bells and sees strange new customs. The environment is noisy and strict, making her feel uncomfortable and scared.
At breakfast, she struggles to understand the rules. She sits early and feels embarrassed when she realises everyone else is standing. Later, Zitkala-Sa’s friend Judewin tells her that the authorities plan to cut their hair. This news shocks Zitkala-Sa because, in her culture, long hair symbolises bravery, and cutting it is a sign of despair or cowardice.
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Zitkala-Sa decides to resist. She hides under a bed to protect her hair. However, the authorities find her, drag her out, and cut her hair. This act makes her feel powerless and disconnected from her identity. She remembers the times when she was free and cared for by her mother. Now, she feels like she is treated as an object, without emotions or individuality.
The chapter shows the pain of losing one’s culture and identity. It highlights the clash between native traditions and the rules forced on them by others.
Detailed Summary of The Cutting of My Long Hair
Arrival at the Boarding School
Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, arrives at a boarding school on a cold winter day. The ground is covered with snow, and the trees are stripped. Everything feels strange and unwelcoming to her. She hears a loud bell ringing, which startles her because the sound is harsh and unfamiliar.
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The noisy clatter of shoes on the bare floors and the murmur of unknown voices make her feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable. Zitkala-Sa realises she is in a place where everything is different from her home and culture.
Feeling Out of Place
At breakfast, Zitkala-Sa faces another challenge. The children follow a strict routine, which she does not understand. When a small bell rings, everyone pulls out their chairs but remains standing. Confused, Zitkala-Sa sits down early.
Feeling embarrassed, she quickly rises when she notices others still standing. When the second bell rings, everyone sits, and Zitkala-Sa has to follow. This experience makes her feel out of place and watched, especially when she notices a white woman observing her closely.
The Shocking News
Later that day, Zitkala-Sa’s friend, Judewin, who knows a little English, warns her about the authorities’ plan to cut their hair. This news shocks Zitkala-Sa deeply. In her culture, long hair symbolises strength and bravery. Only cowards cut their hair. Hearing this, Zitkala-Sa feels humiliated and angry. She decides she will not submit to this unfair rule.
Hiding to Protect Her Hair
Determined to resist, Zitkala-Sa hides under a bed in a quiet room. She hopes this will save her hair and keep her connected to her traditions. However, the authorities search for her. They eventually find her and drag her out despite her kicking and scratching.
Losing Her Identity
The authorities tie Zitkala-Sa to a chair and cut her hair. This moment is heartbreaking for her. She feels like she has lost a part of her identity and culture. Zitkala-Sa remembers her mother, who used to comfort her and explain things gently. Now, she feels like she is treated as just one of many, without emotions or individuality.
The Message of the Chapter
This chapter highlights the pain of losing one’s cultural identity. Zitkala-Sa’s story shows how injustice rules and forced changes can harm a person’s spirit. It also reflects the clash between native traditions and the rigid systems imposed by outsiders. Her experience teaches the importance of respecting cultural differences and valuing freedom.
Point-Wise Summary of The Cutting of My Long Hair
1.Zitkala-Sa’s Arrival: Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, arrives at a boarding school on a cold, snowy day and feels uncomfortable in the noisy, strange environment.
2.Strict Rules at Breakfast: She struggles to follow the school’s strict breakfast rules and feels embarrassed when she sits down at the wrong time.
3.Friend’s Warning: Her friend Judewin warns her that the authorities plan to cut their long hair, which is a sign of bravery in their culture.
4.Cultural Significance of Hair: In Zitkala-Sa’s culture, short hair is the sign of cowards, making the idea of cutting her hair deeply humiliating.
5.Zitkala-Sa’s Decision to Resist: She decides not to submit and hides under a bed to protect her hair and her identity.
6.Search and Capture: The authorities search for her, find her hiding, and drag her out despite her attempts to resist by kicking and scratching.
7.Hair Cutting: Zitkala-Sa is tied to a chair, and her hair is cut, which makes her feel as if she has lost a part of herself and her culture.
8.Loss of Freedom: She feels disgraced and treated like an object, realising she has no control over her life in the school.
9.Emotional Pain: Zitkala-Sa recalls her mother, who used to comfort her, and feels the deep pain of being far from home and her traditions.
10.Message of the Chapter: The story highlights the pain of losing one’s cultural identity and the need for respecting differences and freedom.