Origin Myths and Early Colonial Literature Part 1
Colonial American Literature Native American Literature Native American Literature Literature of Exploration - Virginia Literature of Exploration - Virginia Northern Colonies Northern Colonies Southern & Middle Colonies Southern & Middle Colonies
The first people… Native Americans immigrated over the land bridge from Asia in 35,000 BC Native Americans immigrated over the land bridge from Asia in 35,000 BC The first Europeans enter North America in 1600’s. The first Europeans enter North America in 1600’s. The last colonies were settled in 1732 The last colonies were settled in 1732
Native American Literature: Creation Myths
Myth A traditional story, passed down through generations, that explains why the world is the way it is. Events usually result from the actions of supernatural beings.
Myths Contain supernatural elements Contain supernatural elements Often explain the unexplainable Often explain the unexplainable Have also been told in order to teach a moral lesson. Have also been told in order to teach a moral lesson. All cultures have myths, though often do not see their stories myth but as fact. All cultures have myths, though often do not see their stories myth but as fact.
Oral tradition Native American myths originated as oral tradition: stories passed down verbally Native American myths originated as oral tradition: stories passed down verbally
Oral Tradition... Native American creation myths were not written down until just a few hundred years ago. Native American creation myths were not written down until just a few hundred years ago. It was passed down It was passed down by storytelling and by storytelling and performances. performances. Examples: Examples: lullabies, bedtime lullabies, bedtime stories. stories.
Four functions of myth:
1. To awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation
2. To explain the workings of the natural world: every corner, every rock, hill, stone, and flower has its place and its meaning.
3. To pass down the moral and ethical codes that support and validate social customs.
4. To teach : to guide the people through the trials of living to guide the people through the trials of living
Creation myths Explain how the universe, the earth, and life on earth began. Explain how the universe, the earth, and life on earth began.
Quick Write What different accounts of creation- biblical, scientific or stories from family or other cultures have you heard or read? Write a brief response to what you believe and how you came to know it… What different accounts of creation- biblical, scientific or stories from family or other cultures have you heard or read? Write a brief response to what you believe and how you came to know it…
Essentials of Creation Myths
1. To instill awe 2. Explain the workings of the natural world 3. To support customs 4. Guide people through the trials of living Creation Myths…
Trickster Tales Trickster- some one is creative curious and often gets into trouble. Will sometimes find wisdom through their curiosity. Trickster- some one is creative curious and often gets into trouble. Will sometimes find wisdom through their curiosity.
More About Native American Literature Oral Traditions Oral Traditions Integration of the natural world with the human world Integration of the natural world with the human world No separation of spiritual and physical No separation of spiritual and physical Importance of ancestors Importance of ancestors Trickster figure – often a coyote Trickster figure – often a coyote Rich literary tradition – developed mythology Rich literary tradition – developed mythology Extremely diverse Extremely diverse Native American legacy today – Sherman Alexie Native American legacy today – Sherman Alexie
Native American Literature The Sun Also Rises The Sun Also Rises The Sky Tree The Sky Tree The Earth Only The Earth Only Coyote Finishes His Work Coyote Finishes His Work