1. Native American Literature
Historical Backgrounds
Culture
Literature

2. The First Americans
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.”
Life was dictated by natural surroundings which varied greatly.
Complex religions, Sophisticated political systems, Strong social values.
Culture reflected in their literature

3. Types of Literature Creation Myths: Explain the beginning of the world
Trickster Tales: a character plays or gets tricked and results in the world transformed into its present state
Ritual Songs/Chants: parts of religious ceremonies
Pictographs: Picture stories (somewhat like cave drawings)

4. Forms and Features of Literature
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.
While stories may differ from the originals, they still have the beauty, wisdom, and humor of Native American oral literature.

5. Themes of Native American Lit.
Living in harmony with the natural world
Kinship with animals, plants, the land, heavenly bodies (ancestors), and the elements
All of the above are seen as alive and aware as well part of a sacred whole
Humans are seen as a part of nature; they must maintain a balanced relationship with the world around them.
General Themes of Circle (literal/figurative) and Didactic Literature – teaches a lesson/moral

6. Archetypes seen in Native American Literature
Review: What is an archetype?
An archetype is the way we describe characters; think of them as general categories of characters.
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.
Earth Mother: the bountiful (giving) spirit of the earth
Faithful Companion: supports the hero along the way

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