In Black Elk Speaks, as told through John G. Neihardt (Flaming Rainbow), we read primarily of what Black Elk of the Oglala Sioux calls "the things of the Other World" (Neihardt xvii). More than issues social, economic or political, Black Elk speaks of the spiritual realm, and the book above all should be seen as a spiritual autobiography. It is also a sad story Black Elk tells of the defeat and disillusionment of a great people exploited and massacred by whites who saw themselves as superior by right of greater firepower. However, underlying the defeat his people suffered on the earthly plane, the story of Black Elk can only be properly appreciated if we keep in mind that it is first and foremost a story of spiritual vindication.
Of course, this spiritual autobiography can easily be misread as a spiritual tragedy:
And I, to whom so great a vision was given in my youth,---you see me now a pitiful old man who has done nothing, for the nation's hoop is broken and scattered. There is no center any longer, and the sacred tree is dead" (Neihardt 270).
Despite this disheartened state, Black Elk is able to go to the place where he had his vision and, after speaking to "Grandfather, Great Spirit," clouds gather in a clear sky and rain falls, indicating to Neihardt the continuing spiritual power of the Indian leader. It is clear that the manifestation of the spiritual in the life of the Indians had diminished, but the story of any spiritual people is one of dramatic ups and downs, with the valleys leading even the most faithful leader to feel despair.
Prior to the clouds that gather and the rain that falls, Black Elk confirms his faith, as much as the earthly evidence seems to argue against it:
Again, and maybe the last time on this earth, I recall the great vision you sent me. It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds (Neihardt 274).<...