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
By Christmas, many American and Allied bases throughout the Pacific have fallen to the Japanese. Ned studies his geography book to locate them. Many Navajos want to help the war effort. The Tribal Council declares war on Germany, Japan, and Italy. Navajo men report to the Indian agent to enlist, but are told that their English isn’t good enough, making them feel ashamed.
The Navajo Tribal Council continues to voice its support for the United States’ war effort, and its patriotism is an extension of the Navajos’ love for their sacred land. However, at first, it looks as if Navajo support isn’t wanted—specifically because of the language barrier that will later become a crucial asset.
Themes
Ned wants to enlist, too, but he’s only 14. He fears that the war will be over before he’s old enough. Also, the Armed Forces don’t seem to want Indians. A handful of mission school graduates are accepted as soldiers, but in general, the Armed Services overlooks “the help of those of us who had loved this country long before the ancestors of the bilagáanaas came here.”
Like most of his people, Ned is eager to help the war effort. However, he fears he will miss his chance, and he recognizes the irony that the government is rejecting those who’ve loved the American land the longest.
Themes
But in April, 1942, a message circulates around the reservation via shortwave radio. A Marine recruiter is coming to Fort Defiance in search of Navajo volunteers for a special job. Only men who are fluent in both English and Navajo are wanted. Ned is so excited that his friends tease him. But Tommy Nez and Jesse Chee eagerly join Ned to visit the tribal offices the next day. Through a door, they see a broad-shouldered, uniformed white man sitting at a desk. Ned is awestruck by the sword, rifle, and recruiting posters hung on the wall. Ned can’t take his eyes off the gleaming Marine uniform on one of the posters.
A few months after Pearl Harbor, it looks as if the U.S. military has changed its position. They are specifically seeking out Navajos, though it’s not yet clear why. Even though he is enticed by the shiny trappings like many teenagers would be, Ned also has a genuine desire to serve his country, since he’s still motivated by the connection between the U.S. and the ancestral land of the Navajo.
Themes
Later that morning, the recruiter, First Sergeant Shinn, makes his speech on the steps of the tribal offices. First Sergeant Shinn explains that the Marines are seeking a “few good men” and that enlisting would provide new opportunities. Ned observes that Navajos have been listening to white men speak for a long time and can tell when one is telling the truth. He feels confident that First Sergeant Shinn believes what he is saying. However, the Marines are only accepting men between the ages of 17 and 32. Right now, Ned is only 15.
Ned is not naïve about the history between the United States government and the Navajo people, having grown up with those stories and experienced discrimination himself. However, he doesn’t let this history of oppression stop him from trusting white people altogether; here and throughout, he recognizes that all people are worthy of respect.
Themes
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Ned thinks he sees a way around this problem. Most Navajos do not have birth certificates, having been born at home. If his parents claim he is old enough, he will be allowed to enlist. Ned presents this idea to his parents, and they discuss it in private. When they call him back inside, they tell Ned they are proud of him. However, they think he is too young. If the war persists for another winter, then they will give Ned their blessing to enlist. So Ned goes back to school, while a group of 29 other men become the first Navajo platoon.
Ned finds a creative way around the obstacle posed by his age, again showing his perseverance. Though he doesn’t succeed this time, it’s clear that he won’t give up trying to serve his country.
Themes
