N. Scott Momaday

Definition

N. Scott Momaday is a prominent Native American author and poet, known for his contributions to literature that reflect the experiences and culture of Native Americans. His work often intertwines themes of identity, nature, and the oral traditions of his Kiowa heritage, making him a significant figure during the Termination Era, as he provided a voice for Indigenous peoples during a time of political and cultural upheaval.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Momaday won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969 for his novel 'House Made of Dawn,' which is considered a landmark work in Native American literature.
2. His writing emphasizes the significance of place and landscape in shaping identity, often drawing on his experiences growing up in the Southwest.
3. Momaday's work serves as a form of resistance against cultural assimilation policies, highlighting the resilience and continuity of Indigenous identities.
4. He is an influential figure in the Native American Renaissance, a literary movement that emerged in the 1960s and sought to revive Indigenous storytelling and perspectives.
5. Momaday's themes often explore the connection between language, memory, and culture, emphasizing how stories preserve communal identity across generations.

Review Questions

• How did N. Scott Momaday's work reflect the cultural and political climate of the Termination Era?
  • Momaday's work served as a powerful reflection of the cultural and political climate during the Termination Era by emphasizing Native American identity and resilience in the face of assimilation policies. Through his storytelling, he highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and history, directly addressing the challenges faced by Native communities during this time. His literature not only documented these struggles but also celebrated the richness of Native traditions, creating awareness and fostering a sense of pride among Indigenous peoples.
• Discuss the significance of 'House Made of Dawn' in relation to Native American literature and its impact on broader societal perceptions during the Termination Era.
  • 'House Made of Dawn' is significant because it was one of the first novels by a Native American author to gain national recognition, breaking barriers in mainstream literature. The novel addresses issues such as cultural dislocation and identity crises faced by Native Americans due to policies like termination. By presenting complex characters who navigate both Indigenous and Western worlds, Momaday's work challenged societal stereotypes about Native Americans, fostering greater understanding and empathy towards their experiences during a time when their voices were often marginalized.
• Evaluate how N. Scott Momaday's emphasis on storytelling contributes to our understanding of Native American identity in relation to historical events like termination.
  • Momaday's emphasis on storytelling is crucial for understanding Native American identity as it highlights how narratives are used to preserve culture amid historical events like termination. His works illustrate that stories are not merely entertainment; they are vital for maintaining community connections, transmitting knowledge, and asserting identity. By weaving personal experiences with Kiowa mythology, Momaday demonstrates how storytelling serves as a means of resistance against cultural erasure imposed by assimilation policies, reinforcing the idea that Indigenous identities are dynamic and rooted in both history and contemporary experience.

Related terms

Kiowa: A Native American tribe from the Great Plains, known for their rich oral traditions and history of nomadic buffalo hunting.

The Way to Rainy Mountain: A semi-autobiographical work by Momaday that blends personal narrative with Kiowa history and mythology, showcasing the importance of storytelling in Native American culture.

Termination Policy: A federal policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society by terminating the special relationship between tribes and the federal government.