The mound builders

The Mound Builders

Book

The Mound Builders by Larry McMurtry

Chapter

N/A (The Mound Builders is a play consisting of three acts)

Summary

The Mound Builders is a play that revolves around a group of archaeologists who are excavating a site of an ancient Native American civilization, known as the Mound Builders. The play is set in the 1970s and takes place in the Midwest. The archaeologists are led by Dr. August Howe, who is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the Mound Builders. As they dig deeper, they uncover artifacts and remains that challenge their preconceived notions about the civilization. The play explores themes of cultural identity, the clash between science and spirituality, and the destructive nature of human ambition.

Themes

• Cultural identity

• Clash between science and spirituality

• Destructive nature of human ambition

Motifs

• Archaeology and excavation

• The Mound Builders civilization

• Conflict between characters' personal and professional lives