William Least Heat-Moon -- How great is our heritage's influence on our lives?

After being published in 1982, William Least Heat-Moon's literary account of his journey along the back roads of the United States has become something of a classic. In his book, Blue Highways: A Journey Into America, Heat-Moon drives across the country after being left by his wife and fired from his job. Throughout the story, he meets several unique characters whose lives are greatly influenced and shaped by the land they have lived on all while wresting with his own conflicted views on his Native American roots. How does Heat-Moon feel about his heritage and how does is compare to the attitudes of Fritz and Miz Alice?

Heat-Moon seems to have a more unsure and sarcastic attidute towards his Native American background. He is skeptical about their way of doing things and thinking. He rejects the ideas regarding the importance of bloodlines and says he will "choose for heart, for spirit, but never for blood" (5). While he respects his family and his elders, he seems to be unsure of their culture's relevance in modern times.

Fritz and Heat-Moon first meet in the cafeteria of Southern Utah State College. Fritz is also a Native American whose heritage is clearly plays a large role in his life. His strong tie to his land is apparent and he exclaims "our land really is our Sacred Circle - it's our strength" (182). Fritz is much more emphatic about the importance of his roots in his life and unlike Heat-Moon, hopes to continue the lifestyle by becoming a Hopi doctor. Also, Miz Alice represents a character who is greatly influenced by her home, Smith Island. She has lived on the small, Northeastern island her whole life in complete isolation from the rest of society. Therefore, she has become entirely self-sufficient and strong. She respects the island for what it is and what it has given to her and acknowledges its importance.

Everyone wrestles with their past and heritage. Just how much should we let our upbringing influence our lives? By examining Heat-Moon, Fritz, and Miz Alice, we see three unique and interesting alternatives.