Native American Literature

Native American Literature: Cultural Diversity At time of Columbus, _____ distinct __________ existed in North America Thousands of distinct ______ _________ existed as well. ___ _____ Native American culture or literature. so

History of Stability Prospered for thousands of years in a stable relationship with the ____ Hundreds of ________tribes with their own ______ ________ (more diverse than Europe at the time) Joined together—more in common with each other than with European ____________.

Native Americans came to be isolated both ______________ and ____________ (ghetto-ized). Few opportunities to _________ aspects of their culture. Geographically: reservations on _______ and least productive land So

So how did Native American Literature become known? ______: First widely known written N.A. literature by John Rollin Ridge (Cherokee, encompassed Far West in his writing). Late 19th century: many _____________ began to write down ______ and languages they heard while examining N.A. culture.

N.A. Literature not considered ________ literature before this time due to western notions of literature. Early American history: described by _________ judged by European sensibilities N.A. stories and culture not recognized as “good” by settlers. If it wasn’t a ______, it wasn’t literature. ________: Native American literature given a place in American literary canon.

What are the characteristics of Native American Literature What are the characteristics of Native American Literature? (Remember, it is difficult to generalize the diverse cultures.) Oral history: Good speakers valued in many tribes because of tradition of _________ _____________ Stories handed down through the ______ _________

Lost in Translation European invasion brought linguistic ____ for _________ records; however: __ _______ ____ for some native terms Poetry dependent on _________ and _________; translation is really new work Caucasians rarely given full tales and/or translations shaped to fit audiences’ __________

Characteristics of Native American Literature Oral Tradition Storytelling: primary means of communicating and teaching about the ______ ____, social order, _________ behavior, ______ nature, and the problem of _____ vs. _____. _________is a common characteristic _______ beginnings and endings Use of ______ language _______ writing style

Additional Characteristics of Native American Literature Explains _____ about the nature of the physical world. Example: how did the world come to be? Takes place in primal world or _____________. Beings are ______ spirits in more or less _____ form: monsters, confusions of nature, etc. Mythic age flows into age of transformation (______), which flows into _________time (real heroes)

Cultural Heroes Dramatize prototypical ______ and behaviors Show how to do what is ______ and how we become the people we are Shape the _______ and gives it its character by ______ of sun, fire, or water Often of _______ birth

Trickster _____________ or roguish figure who typically makes up for ______ weakness with _______ and subversive ______ Provides for ________ and _______ Enables us to see the seamy ________ of life May get their ____________!

Motifs in N.A. Myths and Legends Formation of the world through _______ Movements from a ____ world to a _______ world by means of a _____ Earth-diver myth: ______ that occurred after the creation of the universe creation of the present world out of mud brought up from under the water by the ___________ (muskrat or turtle) Theft of ______ Emergence myths: ascent of beings from ____ the surface of the earth to its surface; ascent from a series of ____________

Today Many contemporary Native American writers work to _______their heritage, correct ____________, and represent ________ native struggles. Recurrent elements to look for: connection with ______ and a ______ power; representations of ________ values and __________; responses to sudden changes with European _______.

A Few Native American Authors Louise _____: well-known Native American author from Minnesota; has Native American bookstore Sherman _____: much of his writing stems from his experience as a Native American Paula Gunn ____ is a contemporary Native American author who also writes through a Feminist lens. N.Scott __________: contemporary Native American author; The House Made of Dawn is an American classic.

Motifs of Contemporary N.A. Literature Role of Native Americans in _______ society ______________ Paternalism Rite of passage (coming of age) Options: ________, _________, or… Celebration of native values _________ ownership Inclusive ________ Nature