Now go like an Indian, True Son. Give me no more shame.
 

These are the last words directly spoken to True Son by his Indian father, Cuyloga, before True Son returns to his white family in Chapter 1. They are significant because they are the guidelines by which True Son tries to live during his stay with the Butlers. True Son constantly tells himself to conceal his emotions and to act as if Cuyloga were watching. He desperately wants to live up to his Indian father's expectations and tries to be the calm and strong warrior he sees in Cuyloga. As we learn, however, it is difficult for True Son to follow these instructions. Like many naturally rebellious and passionate teenagers, True Son often speaks out against the elder whites he is supposed to respect according to Indian custom.