Throughout our readings this semester, the theme of the stranger has been present. The outsiders in these selections all had similar roles. One of the main roles was the subjection born from the feeling of inequality. This subjugation has silenced and forced many people out of the mainstream. Native Americans were strangers to Europeans. Europeans had different beliefs and ideas about life that they imposed on the Native Americans. Suddenly, with the arrival of Europeans, Indians became strangers in their own territory. They lose the stability that comes from knowing the simple pleasures around them. They could no longer listen to the wind or feel the touch of the sun, but they were forced to fight just to maintain a place on the land that they could now own. “Could there be a more effective way to afflict them and murder them with small steps than the way they took it” (Apess 484). Although the Indians managed to hold on to a small portion of the land, they feared when it would be taken. two. Before the Europeans, they had never known this world. They were somehow “ignorant of time, whether that of the sun or the moon; nor do they count by month or year. They understand the seasons in terms of the ripening of fruits, the death of fish, and the position of the stars” (Cabeza de Vaca 32). The most perplexing thought for most Native Americans was that Europeans claimed to be Christians, but seemed so consumed with hatred towards these people, constantly causing destruction to this group of innocent people. William Apess, of European and Native American descent, wrote of Europeans who "would think it no crime to go into Indian lands and cut down and carry off their most valuable timber or whatever they choose” (Apess 484). Slowly, the N... ... middle of paper ...... control. Simon Rosedale is also an outsider in this society, but not for the same reasons as Lily. Mr. Rosedale's Jewish origins prevent him from acquiring any position in this society. Although Rosedale is quite wealthy, he can only advance in this society if he can marry a member who has a rank in society like Lily at the beginning of the novel. “Why should I say I want to enter society” (Wharton 200). Mr. Rosedale's intentions are obvious and he uses his wealth to try to gain a role in this company. Both Lily and Rosedale possess the characteristics of outsiders trying to earn their place in a vain society. Many outsiders in our readings tried desperately to find acceptance within. They were subject to the ideas and beliefs of others. They were also forced to give up their identity to be accepted into their society..