Winter In The Blood

Late in the novel, the reader is given more detail about the night Mose dies. The narrator reveals that both old Bird and the cow were involved and, in some ways, contributed to Mose’s death. Consider the narrator’s attitude towards the two animals and describe how their history colors his interactions with them.

The narrator’s interactions with women in the novel are fraught and sometimes violent. Explain the social and personal influences behind his attitudes and behaviors.

Memory is an important theme in the novel. Analyze the ways the narrator uses memory to shield himself from uncomfortable experiences.

Alternately, analyze the ways the narrator uses memories to shape his perception of the people and the world around him. 

Explain the role of the old woman in the novel. How does she influence the narrative? Consider her position as keeper of the family history. You may want to highlight contradictions between her version of her life story and the one that Yellow Calf tells the narrator.

Discuss violence in the novel. How does Welch use violence to develop the reader’s understanding of the world the narrator lives in?

Discuss the use of alcohol in the novel. Consider the times when drinking has negative outcomes for the narrator, as well as those with neutral or positive outcomes.

Welch creates a surreal and confusing tone in the novel at some points through the use of contradictory information or ambiguous placement in the timeline. Analyze the effect these techniques have on the reader’s experience.