“The interface between the natural and the supernatural is death. In Harlan, the culture is imbued with the awareness that “death could come at any time” … Because death is always at hand, the culture centers on the struggle to… — Alessandro Portelli Copy Share Image
“The handling of poisonous snakes in church is a test of faith and grace, just as catching them in one’s yard is a test of prowess and courage. The deathly presence of the snake parallels the daily danger in the mines, and the culture takes a sort of ironic pride in its ability to handle it. … The snake is… — Alessandro Portelli Copy Share
“…but the image of a “fatal” disappearance of the “vanishing American” allows Indian ancestry - as opposed to African American “blood” - to function… — Alessandro Portelli Copy Share Image
“The interface between the natural and the supernatural is death. In Harlan, the culture is imbued with the awareness that “death could come at… — Alessandro Portelli Copy Share Image
