1. Native American Literature Background - appreciated and misrepresented - living oral tradition, kept alive by word of mouth (like early Western Lit.) - unrecognized until 1800’s - before then, assumed NA had no lit. - problems in translation b/c of language

2. Native American Literature - stories used to teach moral lessons and convey practical information about the natural world - view of natural world more inclusive, and not dominated by humans - American Indian worldview is of an endless circle

3. “The Sky Tree” earth diver myth- very common among northeast culture earth covered by water, 1+ creatures dive and bring up a piece of earth, earth is placed on turtle’s back Why is the woman named Ancient Woman? What does she symbolize? What does the rooting of the tree symbolize?

4. “The Night Chant” Songs- impart philosophy about life, express emotion, relate to the attempt to gain spiritual power “TNC” – part of a Dine (Navajo) ceremony to support someone who is ill - sickness is imbalance - ceremony restores balance (health) - hozhoni translates as “happiness”, and combines ideas of beauty, peace, harmony, and happiness

5. “ Coyote Finishes His Work” Tricksters - one of the favorite characters in NA lit. - often takes animal form - use their wits to survive - not always admirable - represent dual nature of human beings - good/evil, wise/silly, humorous/serious