Now that you have analyzed the American Progress, pick ONE of the living beings in the document. Consider the feelings, actions, and thoughts of that figure. How are they being affected by what is happening? Then, write a paragraph below (5-7 sentences) explaining the action of the painting from that particular point of view.
From the point of view of the Native American in the painting, American Progress, the scene is one of despair. The Native American is standing in the foreground, looking out at the advancing settlers and their civilization. He is surrounded by the symbols of progress, such as the railroad and the telegraph, and he is dwarfed by the size of the settlers' wagon. He is aware of the changes that are taking place and the impact they will have on his way of life. He is powerless to stop the settlers from taking over his land and his culture, and he can only watch as his way of life is slowly taken away. He is filled with sadness and a sense of loss, knowing that his people will never be the same again.
