Key themes in part one of The Kentucky Cycle revolve mainly around the general stereotypes of people who lived in the nineteenth century. Many of these themes come together to promote an image of Appalachian peoples that is very derogatory. These themes include feigned superiority, violence, the abuse of women, and general crudeness. The book starts off with an engagement between some Native Americans and the main character, Michael. In accordance to prevent more violence, Michael finds it fit to trade with the natives. He gave them blankets and pelts in exchange for a large sum of land. The material he gave were contaminated with smallpox, resulting in massive casualties of the natives. He saved one of their women and held her captive “as his wife”. This plays into the theme of sexism and violence when he cuts her Achilles to keep her from running away, and raping her. She then bears a child and the rest of the story is the tale of their family, keeping their land and their values. Feigned superiority is shown by when Michael tricks the natives for their land, and general crudeness is shown throughout the story by Michael and his children’s vulgar thoughts, actions, and language.