One of my favorite literary techniques that Linda Hogan utilized in Power was her use of nature and animals to symbolize issues she is passionate about. Hogan is an environmentalist and advocate for Native American rights and culture. She is an activist, and I think that her book Power is a form of activism. It is more indirect than most of the other examples of activism that we have looked at. I would argue that The Monkey Wrench Gang was more widespread and significant in regards to its effects as a work of activism; however, the beauty of Power lies not within its popularity but within its subtlety. The use of animal and nature symbols is evidence of this. I believe that the hurricane, the panther, and the kudzu all had dual “activist” meanings; they represented environmental issues and issues regarding westernization of Native American culture. Hurricanes and other natural disasters increase with severity and frequency due to climate change. I think the presence of the extremely destructive hurricane that Omishto and Ama were caught in was Hogan’s cry for readers to take action against global warming. It also can be seen as a metaphor for the westernization of Native American tribes. The hurricane is the western influence wreaking havoc on Native American culture, leaving behind remnants of what it once was. The panther is an endangered species, and I believe that Hogan purposefully chose this specific animal to call attention to the issue endangered species and the threats that humans pose to them. The starved panther also represents the Native American culture and traditions — it is an endangered species that is dying out. Because of westernization, so many Native Americans are abandoning their backgrounds to fully embrace the western culture (as seen in the case of Oshmito’s mom and sister). The number of people practicing Native American traditions is dwindling, just like the panther population. The kudzu is Hogan’s way of bringing attention to the growing issue of invasive species. It also represents western influence, invading the Native American tribes and having devastating effects on them. All three of these symbols represented two different issues that Hogan is an advocate for, but were extremely subtle and indirect. This is what makes Power such a unique and beautiful form of activism.