N. Scott Momaday

Definition

N. Scott Momaday is a prominent Native American author, poet, and playwright, known for his works that reflect the richness of Native American culture and identity. His writings often draw from his Kiowa heritage and explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the interplay between history and storytelling, making him a key figure in Indigenous literature and cultural revival.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. N. Scott Momaday was born on February 27, 1934, in Lawton, Oklahoma, and is a member of the Kiowa tribe.
2. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969 for 'House Made of Dawn,' which is considered a seminal work in Native American literature.
3. Momaday's writing style incorporates elements of oral storytelling, blending poetic language with narrative to convey cultural themes.
4. In addition to fiction, Momaday has published poetry, essays, and plays that explore the connection between identity and the natural world.
5. He has been an advocate for the recognition and preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures throughout his career.

Review Questions

• How does N. Scott Momaday's Kiowa heritage influence his literary works?
  • N. Scott Momaday's Kiowa heritage profoundly influences his literary works by infusing them with cultural significance and traditional narratives. His writing often incorporates elements from Kiowa folklore, history, and spirituality, which help to convey a sense of place and identity. This connection to his roots allows him to articulate the complexities of Native American experiences and the importance of storytelling as a means of cultural preservation.
• Discuss the impact of 'House Made of Dawn' on Indigenous literature and its role in reclaiming Native identity.
  • 'House Made of Dawn' had a transformative impact on Indigenous literature by bringing attention to the unique experiences of Native Americans and challenging mainstream narratives. The novel explores themes of identity crisis, alienation, and the search for belonging in a rapidly changing world. Its success opened doors for other Indigenous authors and played a crucial role in the broader movement to reclaim and assert Native identities through literature.
• Evaluate the significance of N. Scott Momaday's contributions to Indigenous arts and how they reflect broader themes of cultural diversity.
  • N. Scott Momaday's contributions to Indigenous arts are significant as they highlight the complexities of cultural diversity within Native American communities. Through his blending of oral traditions with written forms, he challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the richness of Indigenous histories and perspectives. His work reflects broader themes such as resilience, connection to land, and the importance of narrative in shaping identity, making it essential in understanding contemporary Indigenous art and culture.

Related terms

Kiowa: A Native American tribe primarily located in Oklahoma, known for its rich cultural traditions and history, which Momaday draws upon in his works.

House Made of Dawn: Momaday's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of a young Native American man returning to his roots and grappling with identity and displacement.

Indigenous Literature: A genre of literature that encompasses the works produced by Indigenous peoples, often focusing on themes of identity, culture, history, and resistance.