An article "the way to rainy mountain themes: memory and history" by sylvie mcnamara say this about the way the book is structured, "momaday’s focus on memory also emphasizes that the past must be actively transmitted in order to preserve kiowa culture and identity. history is not an abstract time that is relegated only to the past; it is a set of stories, values, and ideas that live on through people who make the effort to remember." which statement accurately reflects why momaday chose 3 voices to use as the structure for his book. he wanted to be innovative in his structure and do something no one had done before. he needed a way to set his writing apart from other works about native americans. he didn't have enough to write about in memoir so he added other voices. he believes that the 3 voices provide the most thorough reflection of the kiowa history.

Buckminster boy. she glared at him. "lizzie, i swear to you, as sure as i'm standing right here—that's a lie. every bit of it. every single bit." "my granddaddy said it was a lie, too." she leaned her head to one side and looked at him steadily. "so why haven't you been down to the island? " "so only you get to ask questions now? " "yes." she waited. "i haven't been down to the island because my father believes that you were using me to you stay on malaga island." "well," she said slowly. "well." "i didn't believe it, either." the sea breeze lay at their feet panting, hoping they would play with it again. based on what turner and lizzie say, which is the best conclusion that can be drawn? they are angered by the lies the adults have been spreading. neither of them is able to fully trust what the other is claiming. each trusts the other and cares a great deal about their friendship. both are worried about the troubles their friendship may bring.