Native American Literature Historical Backgrounds Culture and Literature

The First Americans The original native peoples belonged to more than 200 distinct groups who spoke more than 500 different languages. The original native peoples belonged to more than 200 distinct groups who spoke more than 500 different languages. Names of these peoples such as Anishinabe and Lakota meant “the people.” Names of these peoples such as Anishinabe and Lakota meant “the people.” Life was dictated by natural surroundings which varied greatly. Life was dictated by natural surroundings which varied greatly. Complex religions, Sophisticated political systems, Strong social values all reflected their literature Complex religions, Sophisticated political systems, Strong social values all reflected their literature

Types of Literature Creation Myths: Explain the beginning of the world Creation Myths: Explain the beginning of the world Trickster Tales: Transformed the world into its present state Trickster Tales: Transformed the world into its present state Ritual Songs/Chants: parts of religious ceremonies Ritual Songs/Chants: parts of religious ceremonies Pictographs: Picture stories (somewhat like cave drawings) Pictographs: Picture stories (somewhat like cave drawings)

Forms of Literature Naturally performed orally in storytellings or play-like performances. Naturally performed orally in storytellings or play-like performances. These performances were collected in the early 1900s and translated into English by anthropologists (culture researchers) or by a bilingual member of the tribe with the help of white editors. These performances were collected in the early 1900s and translated into English by anthropologists (culture researchers) or by a bilingual member of the tribe with the help of white editors. While stories may differ from the originals, they still have the beauty, wisdom, and humor of Native American oral literature. While stories may differ from the originals, they still have the beauty, wisdom, and humor of Native American oral literature.

Themes of Native American Lit. Living in harmony with the natural world Living in harmony with the natural world Kinship with animals, plants, the land, heavenly bodies (ancestors), and the elements Kinship with animals, plants, the land, heavenly bodies (ancestors), and the elements All of the above are seen as alive and aware as well as seen as a sacred whole All of the above are seen as alive and aware as well as seen as a sacred whole Humans are seen as a part of nature; they must maintain a right relationship with the world around them. Humans are seen as a part of nature; they must maintain a right relationship with the world around them.

Archetypes What is an archetype: What is an archetype: An archetype is the way we describe characters; think of them as general categories of characters. An archetype is the way we describe characters; think of them as general categories of characters. Which archetypes are seen in Native American Literature? Which archetypes are seen in Native American Literature? Trickster: a god, goddess, spirit, human, or animal who plays pranks or disobeys normal rules and behaviors. Trickster: a god, goddess, spirit, human, or animal who plays pranks or disobeys normal rules and behaviors. Earth Mother: the bountiful spirit of the earth Earth Mother: the bountiful spirit of the earth Faithful Companion: supports the hero along the way Faithful Companion: supports the hero along the way

Native American Literature Today Some cultures were lost due to disease and forced religion, relocation, and education Some cultures were lost due to disease and forced religion, relocation, and education Many still survive today in cities, suburbs, and reservations Many still survive today in cities, suburbs, and reservations Literature is still sung, told, and written down in English Literature is still sung, told, and written down in English Most literature is about harmonizing old and new practices and beliefs Most literature is about harmonizing old and new practices and beliefs