The Trail of Tears tore the Cherokee away from their homes and their culture , gradually weakening the gender roles that were embedded in the Cherokee culture . This disruption of gender roles caused confusion , frustration and bitterness for many of the people , as they felt helpless by not being able to perform their usual tasks . Knobowtee is the main character in the novel through whom Glancy reveals the emotional crisis of the failed masculinity experienced by the men . For example , Knobowtee says : " Women had the property , and that helped me decide to marry her . But I can farm . Yes , except I have no farm . I have nothing , again " ( 72 ) . Maritole also notices Knobowtee 's frustration at not being able to maintain his roles by stating : " His fields were gone , and he did not know who he was " ( 74 )
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Pushing the Bear