The first principle that Glancy shows the reader through this couple's marriage would be communication. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21) (The New American Bible). This is a powerful verse in the Bible. Basically, what this verse tells us is that through communication, marriage can be prosperous or disastrous. An example of this is perfectly represented in this novel through Knobowtee and Maritole. For much of the journey on the trail Maritole remains alone with only her child and her thoughts. Many times, Knobowtee is nowhere to be found when he should be helping his wife with anything she might need. Maritole tells the reader how the lack of communication between the two impacted her: “Sometimes I would see Knobowtee walking in front of me or behind with other men. I felt like he thought it was my fault that we went down the trail. Knowowtee looked away if I saw him. I once came face to face with his mother, but we didn't talk. I wanted to talk to him, but there was nothing to say” (Glancy 109). Glancy shows us through this quote that the lack of