The Pagan's Progress

"The Pagan's Progress" by Gouverneur Morris is a thought-provoking story that examines the basics of human nature and growth, using a world that displays the tough parts of living and the problems of being with others. The story follows One Eye, a dad dealing with tough choices about his daughter Maku, and No Man, a strange person in their group who doesn't fit in. We begin with One Eye, who is thinking hard about his daughter's future as different men want to marry her. This leads to funny but important talks between the men, showing their basic wants and needs. The story then gets more serious when No Man, who is different and likes to draw, shows up, causing fights and big changes. The beginning of the story shows the struggles for power, what society expects, and what these early people want as they live in their world.