Themes in "Killers of the Flower Moon"
David Grann's "Killers of the Flower Moon" is a powerful non-fiction narrative that explores several interconnected themes. Let's dive into the major themes that run through this gripping account of the Osage murders.
1. Greed and Exploitation
At the heart of this dark tale lies the theme of greed and exploitation. The discovery of oil on Osage land turned the tribe into some of the wealthiest people per capita in the world, but it also made them targets.
NoteThe Osage's newfound wealth attracted opportunists who sought to exploit and manipulate the tribe members for financial gain.
This theme is exemplified in the actions of William Hale and his conspirators, who orchestrated a series of murders to gain control of Osage headrights and oil wealth. Grann writes:
"The Osage were considered to be the wealthiest people per capita in the world. 'Lo and behold!' one visitor to the reservation exclaimed. 'The Indian, instead of starving to death... enjoys a steady income that turns bankers green with envy.'"
The author shows how this wealth became a curse, leading to a systematic exploitation of the Osage people by those who were supposed to protect them.
2. Racial Injustice and Prejudice
Another prominent theme in the book is racial injustice and prejudice. The Osage murders occurred against a backdrop of widespread discrimination against Native Americans.
Common MistakeIt's easy to view the events in the book as isolated incidents, but they were part of a larger pattern of systemic racism and oppression faced by Native Americans.
Grann highlights how prejudice affected every aspect of the investigation and justice system:
"The murders exposed a level of prejudice so deep that it had become institutionalized, infecting nearly every aspect of society, including law enforcement and the courts."
This theme is further explored through the guardianship system imposed on the Osage, which treated them as incompetent to manage their own affairs, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
