The desire for peace and the necessity of war is a constant struggle in this novel. The Nez Perce begin their lives in peace, though white settlers soon infiltrate and bring violence. War becomes such a facet of life for the Nez Perce that Sound of Running Feet wonders if they’ll ever be safe.

The clearest representation of the duality of war and peace in the novel is Chief Joseph. Chief Joseph is a peaceful man who desires only safety for his people. His attempts to make peace are met with violence—from his own people, from his daughter, and from the white soldiers. Chief Joseph makes it clear from the beginning that he believes in surrender before slaughter; he would rather lose his home, his culture, and his heart before losing the lives of his people. He says to Sound of Running Feet, “The white settlers are like the sands of the river. No matter how many we kill, more come […] We must protect our women and children, even if it means we are strangers in the land” (48). For him, life and peace are more valuable than honor and war.

The symbol of the rifle adds to the complexity of the struggle between war and peace.