Part 4 Section 2 Summary and Analysis

Part 4, "The World We Go To", contains stories relating to the sometimes frightening, sometimes peaceful relationship between "The World We Live In" and the world beyond.

"Over the Hill" (Arapaho) The brief introduction to this story recounts how in ancient times most Indian people didn't really have a concept of life after death, and suggests that this story is a version of what many did believe.

For the beginning of the story, see "Quotes, p. 194". The narrator then describes the journey up the hill as being difficult, especially if his loved ones in the World of the Living are calling back the person making the journey. On the other side of the hill is an Indian village. Those who have gone before live in that village, and call out to the person making the journey to come join them...