What are the symbols in Dances with Wolves?

Answer 1

The most obvious symbols in "Dances with Wolves" are the two mentioned in the title: The wolf, and the "dance."

The key to understanding the symbolism of the relationship between Lt. Dunbar and the wolf is comparing the relationship between Lt. Dunbar and the Sioux.

Now forgive me if this is not entirely precise since it has been about a decade since I watched the movie. But as I recall, Dunbar is at first afraid of the wolf, as the wolf is of him. Over time, Dunbar gets over his fear and becomes fascinated with the wolf. He gains the wolf's trust by feeding him. Eventually, they become used to each other. It is unusual for these two natural enemies to become friends, but Dunbar's willingness to "get to know" the wolf leads him to understand that the stereotypical view of the wolf as a savage killer is not accurate.

Compare this with the way Dunbar relates to the Sioux. His first experiences are pretty unpleasant. They attempt to steal his horse and later one acts in a very aggressive manner (one might say snarling) towards the Lieutenant. But over time, he overcomes his fear and tries to establish a relationship with them. They begin to accept and trust him after he "feeds" them (almost literally) by helping them to find the buffalo. The Sioux warriors and White soldiers are also "natural enemies" and it is unusual to develop this relationship.

The Sioux ridicule Dunbar's "dancing" with the wolf. The soldiers similarly (though in a much more savage manner) ridicule Dunbar's relationship with the Sioux. The murder of the wolf by the soldiers, which Dunbar desperately tries to stop, foreshadows what the white soldiers will be doing to the Sioux. Dunbar is trying to get the soldiers to see that the wolf is not a threat, as he is also trying to convince them that the Sioux can be allies. Their bigotry, however, cannot be overcome in either case.

So, in a nutshell, the wolf represents the Sioux (and the Native American population in general) and the "dance" represents the relationship between Dunbar and the Sioux. The man "Dances with Wolves" is the man who, contrary to the prejudice of the time, is willing to build a friendship with the "enemy."

Answer 2

journal, Cisco, Two Socks