Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Code Talker, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Memory, Language, and Identity
The Navajo Way and the Life of the Warrior
Culture and Patriotism
War, Healing, and Peace
Summary
Analysis
Because so many lives depend on the code, no one must ever be told about it. It has to be strictly committed to memory. Only a small number of code books are ever printed, and those are closely guarded in training areas; they are certainly not carried around by the code talkers. The code talkers must even be willing to be tortured and killed before they would reveal the code to the enemy. Ned feels proud to make this promise.
The code itself is straightforward. The code talkers have to learn a new alphabet in which a Navajo word is assigned to each English letter (from “ant” to “zinc”). Ned’s class also adds more Navajo words for the English letters that are used most often, in order to guard against potential code-breakers. Less frequently used terms, such as Mount Suribachi, are spelled out, while frequently used terms receive their own separate code words. The constant learning and memorization is hard work, but Ned is proud of what he’s doing.
Ned and his fellow marines are not just memorizing a new alphabet, but actively contributing to the writing of the code as well, drawing on their knowledge of their native language and culture. Most of them have before done work in which their culture plays a prominent and respected place; it’s becoming clear that Navajo culture really does have a place in white society, despite what Ned and his peers have been told all their lives.
Themes
The class enjoys kidding around with the white instructors who teach them how to operate their signal equipment. Their favorite is the Morse code teacher, Corporal Radant. During breaks, the recruits enjoy practicing bayonet fights in the classroom to drive Corporal Radant crazy. During smoking breaks, they sneak up on Corporal Radant and wrestle him to the ground. In addition to the good-natured fun, these are peaceful weeks for Ned. After years of being forced to try to forget Navajo, things have reversed dramatically. The recruits are even encouraged to speak Navajo with each other outside of class. This feels wonderful to Ned, and he can tell that his fellow Navajo marines feel proud and fulfilled, too.
The dynamic in code school is entirely different from Ned’s prior experiences of formal schooling, in which white teachers looked down upon and even abused Navajo students. Here, the students and teacher are on an equal plane in pursuit of a shared goal, and their mutual fondness manifests in good-natured jokes and pranks.
Themes
Ned explains to his grandchildren that the Navajo recruits were not “proud” in the sense of becoming self-important. They remained quiet and humble, remembering that their sacred language had been passed down to them by their elders. Ned remembers his family and his land each day as he goes through his corn pollen ritual. He wears a pouch of corn pollen and greets the dawn by scattering pollen every morning. He believes that this blessing keeps him balanced and safe.
As it has done since his childhood, Ned’s sense of obligation to his elders and his community shapes his attitude about everything he does. His daily prayer ritual also remains an integral part of his role as a marine, as the corn pollen symbolizes the way Ned’s home and people protect him wherever he goes.
Themes
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At the end of code school, the Navajos decide to hold a special dance to honor their Camp Elliott instructors and to entertain their non-Indian friends. They wear ceremonial clothing and perform some dances and songs. Corporal Radant and Ned’s friend Smitty even try to join in the dancing. They close the program by singing a Navajo translation of the Marine Corps hymn. It’s a light-hearted, memorable day.
This celebration of Navajo culture is a good example of how code school, and military service generally, is something of a liberating experience for Ned. For the first time, his culture and language attain an honored place among non-Navajos.
Themes
