🌽native american studies review
8.4 Native American literature and poetry
Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Native American literature and poetry blend ancient oral traditions with modern storytelling techniques. From creation myths to trickster tales, these narratives preserve cultural heritage and teach valuable lessons. They form a vital part of Native American artistic expression.
Key authors like N. Scott Momaday and Leslie Marmon Silko sparked a literary renaissance in the late 20th century. Today, writers like Sherman Alexie and Louise Erdrich continue to explore Native American experiences, blending traditional elements with contemporary themes.
Traditional Native American Storytelling
Oral Tradition and Storytelling Practices
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Top images from around the web for Oral Tradition and Storytelling Practices
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- Oral tradition forms backbone of Native American cultural transmission
- Stories passed down through generations by word of mouth
- Storytellers hold revered position in tribal communities
- Narratives preserve history, customs, and spiritual beliefs
- Storytelling often incorporates performance elements (gestures, vocal inflections, music)
- Stories adapt over time while maintaining core cultural messages
- Oral tradition strengthens community bonds and cultural identity
Types of Traditional Native American Stories
- Creation stories explain origins of the world and people
- Often feature divine beings or supernatural forces shaping the universe
- Reflect unique worldviews and spiritual beliefs of different tribes
- Navajo creation story involves emergence through four colored worlds
- Trickster tales center around mischievous characters
- Coyote serves as common trickster figure in many tribal traditions
- Raven plays trickster role in Pacific Northwest stories
- Trickster narratives often teach moral lessons through humor and wit
- Hero stories celebrate legendary figures and tribal ancestors
- Recount great deeds and adventures of cultural icons
- Hiawatha features prominently in Iroquois oral tradition
- Teaching stories impart practical knowledge and life lessons
- Explain natural phenomena and animal behaviors
- Convey proper social conduct and tribal values
Key Native American Authors
Pioneering Native American Writers
- N. Scott Momaday revolutionized Native American literature
- Kiowa author won Pulitzer Prize for House Made of Dawn (1969)
- Blends oral tradition with modern literary techniques
- Explores themes of cultural identity and connection to land
- Leslie Marmon Silko incorporates Laguna Pueblo storytelling traditions
- Ceremony (1977) weaves together prose and poetry
- Addresses themes of healing, trauma, and cultural preservation
- Storyteller (1981) blends personal narratives with traditional stories
Contemporary Native American Literary Voices
- Sherman Alexie brings humor and wit to Native American experiences
- Spokane/Coeur d'Alene author known for The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (1993)
- Confronts stereotypes and explores urban Native American life
- Screenplay for critically acclaimed film Smoke Signals (1998)
- Louise Erdrich creates rich, multigenerational narratives
- Ojibwe author of Love Medicine (1984) and The Round House (2012)
- Explores complex family relationships and tribal histories
- Incorporates Ojibwe language and traditions into her works
- Joy Harjo serves as first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate
- Muscogee Creek poet known for She Had Some Horses (1983)
- Blends personal experiences with tribal mythology
- Incorporates music and performance into her poetry
Native American Literary Movements
The Native American Renaissance
- Literary movement emerged in late 1960s and 1970s
- Marked by increased recognition and publication of Native American authors
- N. Scott Momaday's House Made of Dawn (1968) considered catalyst for movement
- Characterized by blending of traditional storytelling with modern literary forms
- Explored themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and land rights
- Raised awareness of Native American issues among wider readership
- Paved way for greater diversity in American literature
Contemporary Native American Literary Trends
- Increased focus on urban Native American experiences
- Exploration of mixed-race identities and cultural hybridity
- Growing prominence of Native American women writers
- Incorporation of Indigenous languages and storytelling techniques
- Addressing contemporary issues (environmental concerns, tribal sovereignty)
- Emergence of Native American science fiction and speculative fiction
- Continued efforts to reclaim and reframe Native American narratives
Key Terms to Review (25)
Oral tradition: Oral tradition refers to the practice of passing down stories, history, culture, and knowledge through spoken word from one generation to another. This method of communication is fundamental to many Indigenous cultures and serves as a means to preserve and share identity, values, and teachings within communities.
Storytelling: Storytelling is the art of conveying narratives, often rooted in cultural traditions, beliefs, and values, through oral or written forms. It serves as a vital means for communities to pass down history, convey moral lessons, and foster a sense of identity and belonging. In many cultures, storytelling connects generations and provides insight into the human experience, encompassing themes such as creation, survival, and community bonds.
She had some horses: The phrase 'she had some horses' can symbolize the connection between Native American culture and the significance of horses in their societies. Horses played a crucial role in transportation, trade, and even spiritual practices, reflecting the deep relationship between Native American people and the land. This phrase may also represent themes of strength, freedom, and identity found in Native American literature and poetry.
The Round House: The Round House is a novel by Louise Erdrich that addresses complex themes of identity, justice, and trauma within Native American communities. Set in North Dakota, the story revolves around a young boy named Joe who seeks to understand and seek justice for the violent crime committed against his mother, exploring the intersections of personal and cultural struggles faced by Native Americans.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a collection of interconnected short stories by Sherman Alexie that explores the lives of Native American characters navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and the legacy of colonization. Through a mix of humor and tragedy, the book addresses themes such as displacement, cultural stereotypes, and the search for personal and communal identity in contemporary America.
Prose poetry: Prose poetry is a form of writing that combines the characteristics of prose and poetry, presenting poetic language in a structured, non-metrical format. This genre often blurs the lines between traditional poetic forms and narrative prose, allowing for expressive imagery and emotional depth while maintaining the flow and structure of prose. It is significant in various literary traditions, including Native American literature, where it reflects cultural nuances and storytelling traditions.
Louise Erdrich: Louise Erdrich is a celebrated Native American author known for her novels, poetry, and essays that often draw upon her Chippewa heritage and explore themes of identity, culture, and the experiences of Native American people. Her work is significant as it contributes to the broader landscape of Native American literature and showcases self-representation through diverse narratives.
Sherman Alexie: Sherman Alexie is a prominent Native American author, poet, and filmmaker, known for his works that provide insight into contemporary Native American life. His writings often blend humor and tragedy, addressing themes such as identity, culture, and the complexities of modern existence for Native peoples. Alexie's unique voice has played a crucial role in shaping Native American literature and in advocating for self-representation within various fields.
Love medicine: Love medicine refers to a traditional Native American practice involving rituals, spells, or herbal remedies used to promote love, attraction, or emotional healing in relationships. This concept is deeply rooted in Native American spirituality and culture, where the interconnectedness of human emotions and nature is emphasized. Love medicine is often expressed through storytelling, poetry, and rituals that encapsulate the values and beliefs surrounding love and relationships in various Native American communities.
House Made of Dawn: House Made of Dawn is a groundbreaking novel by N. Scott Momaday, published in 1968, that tells the story of a young Native American man named Abel who struggles to reconcile his traditional heritage with contemporary American life. This novel is significant as it incorporates elements of Native American oral traditions and storytelling, and it addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the connection to land and culture.
Marginalization: Marginalization is the process by which certain groups or individuals are pushed to the edge of society, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and participation in social, economic, and political life. This often leads to a lack of visibility and voice for these groups, reinforcing systemic inequalities. In literature and poetry, especially within Native American contexts, marginalization highlights the struggles and perspectives of those who are often overlooked or silenced.
Metafiction: Metafiction is a form of literature that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the line between fiction and reality. This narrative technique invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself, as characters may acknowledge their fictional status or the author’s presence. Within Native American literature and poetry, metafiction can be used to challenge conventional narratives, highlight cultural identity, and incorporate oral traditions into written forms.
Connection to land: Connection to land refers to the deep-rooted relationship between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral territories, encompassing spiritual, cultural, and historical ties. This bond shapes their identity, informs their worldview, and influences their way of life, often reflecting the understanding that land is not merely a resource but a living entity with which they coexist. In various expressions of literature and poetry, this connection is vividly articulated through themes of nature, ancestry, and the sacredness of the land.
Joy Harjo: Joy Harjo is a prominent Native American poet, memoirist, and musician, known for her powerful exploration of identity, culture, and history through her work. As the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, she has made significant contributions to Native American literature and poetry, bridging cultural gaps and offering profound insights into the Native experience in contemporary society.
Ceremony: A ceremony is a formal event or ritual that is performed in a specific way, often carrying significant cultural, spiritual, or social meaning. In the context of Native American literature and poetry, ceremonies serve as crucial expressions of identity, tradition, and connection to the land, ancestors, and community. These rituals are often depicted in literary works to illustrate the importance of cultural practices and the ways in which they shape individual and collective experiences.
Leslie marmon silko: Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American author known for her influential works in literature and poetry, particularly within the context of Native American identity and cultural storytelling. Her writing blends traditional oral narratives with contemporary themes, reflecting the complexities of Native American life while addressing issues such as colonialism, identity, and gender. Silko’s unique voice has played a significant role in shaping Native American literature and expanding its recognition in mainstream literary circles.
N. Scott Momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a celebrated Native American author, poet, and playwright known for his profound contributions to Native American literature, particularly in depicting the experiences and cultures of Native peoples. His works often blend personal narrative with rich imagery and oral traditions, making him a pivotal figure in the literary representation of Native American identity and experience.
Native American Renaissance: The Native American Renaissance refers to a period of cultural revival and flourishing among Native American communities during the late 20th century, particularly from the 1960s to the 1990s. This era is characterized by a renewed interest in Native American identity, traditions, and artistic expression, leading to significant developments in literature, visual arts, and cultural practices that reclaim and celebrate indigenous heritage.
Intergenerational Trauma: Intergenerational trauma refers to the psychological and emotional harm that affects individuals and communities as a result of trauma experienced by previous generations. This type of trauma can manifest in various ways, influencing identity, cultural connections, mental health, and social structures within communities.
Boarding schools: Boarding schools for Native American children were institutions designed to assimilate Indigenous youth into Euro-American culture, often at the cost of their own cultural identities. These schools sought to erase Native languages, traditions, and social structures, leading to profound changes in both individuals and communities.
Cultural identity: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging to a particular group based on shared cultural traits, values, and beliefs. It encompasses the traditions, languages, art forms, and historical experiences that define a group's unique character and influence individual behaviors and worldviews. Understanding cultural identity is crucial for appreciating how various aspects of life, including art, literature, mental health, and social roles, contribute to the ongoing narrative of a community.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing for deeper meanings and connections within various forms of expression. This technique enriches narratives and artworks by conveying complex themes and emotions in a concise manner, inviting audiences to interpret and engage with the work on multiple levels.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over a territory and its people, often through force, and exploiting them for economic gain. It involves the domination of one culture over another, leading to significant cultural, social, and political changes in the colonized societies. The impacts of colonialism have deeply influenced indigenous traditions, artistic expressions, and social structures.
Trickster Tales: Trickster tales are a genre of storytelling found in many Native American cultures that feature clever, often mischievous characters known as tricksters. These tales serve to entertain while imparting moral lessons and cultural values, illustrating the complexities of human nature and the world. Trickster figures often defy conventions and traditional roles, showcasing themes of transformation, duality, and the interplay between chaos and order.
Creation stories: Creation stories are narratives that explain the origin of the world, humanity, and various elements within nature, often encompassing spiritual beliefs and cultural values. These stories are essential to understanding the worldview of different cultures, as they reflect their beliefs about existence and the relationships between humans, nature, and the divine. They serve not only as explanations of how the world came to be but also as a means of passing down cultural identity and moral lessons through generations.