Native American Literature

🪶Native American Literature Unit 4 – Early Native American Writers

Early Native American literature emerged from oral traditions, preserving history and culture across generations. European colonization and written language impacted these traditions, leading to documentation efforts by missionaries and explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The 19th century saw increased interest in preserving Native American stories. Anthropologists collected and published oral traditions. The early 20th century marked a shift towards Native American authors writing their own works, challenging stereotypes and asserting cultural value.

Historical Context

  • Early Native American literature emerged from the oral traditions of indigenous peoples across North America
  • Oral storytelling served as a means of preserving history, culture, and knowledge for generations
    • Stories often included creation myths, legends, and tales of heroic figures
    • Oral traditions were passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of cultural heritage
  • European colonization and the introduction of written language significantly impacted Native American literature
    • Missionaries and explorers began documenting Native American languages and stories in the 16th and 17th centuries
    • The forced assimilation of Native Americans into European culture led to the suppression and loss of many traditional stories and languages
  • The 19th century saw a growing interest in preserving and studying Native American literature
    • Anthropologists and ethnographers began collecting and publishing Native American stories and oral traditions
    • The Bureau of American Ethnology, established in 1879, played a significant role in documenting Native American languages and cultures
  • The early 20th century marked a shift towards Native American authors writing and publishing their own works
    • This period saw the emergence of influential Native American writers such as Zitkala-Sa and Charles Eastman
    • These authors sought to challenge stereotypes and assert the value of Native American cultures and experiences

Key Figures and Authors

  • Samson Occom (1723-1792), a Mohegan writer and preacher, is considered one of the earliest Native American authors
    • Occom's "A Sermon Preached at the Execution of Moses Paul, an Indian" (1772) is a notable example of early Native American literature
  • William Apess (1798-1839), a Pequot writer and activist, is known for his autobiographical works and political writings
    • Apess's "A Son of the Forest" (1829) is considered the first Native American autobiography published in the United States
  • Zitkala-Sa (1876-1938), also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Yankton Dakota writer, educator, and activist
    • Her collections "Old Indian Legends" (1901) and "American Indian Stories" (1921) provide insight into Dakota culture and experiences
  • Charles Eastman (1858-1939), a Santee Dakota physician and writer, is known for his autobiographical works and advocacy for Native American rights
    • Eastman's "Indian Boyhood" (1902) and "From the Deep Woods to Civilization" (1916) offer a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Native Americans during the early 20th century
  • Mourning Dove (1888-1936), also known as Christine Quintasket, was an Okanogan writer and one of the first Native American women to publish a novel
    • Her novel "Cogewea, the Half-Blood" (1927) explores themes of identity and cultural conflict

Major Themes and Topics

  • Identity and cultural conflict are central themes in early Native American literature
    • Many works explore the challenges of navigating between traditional Native American cultures and the dominant European-American society
    • Authors often grapple with the impact of assimilation policies and the loss of cultural identity
  • The preservation of Native American languages, traditions, and stories is a key concern in early Native American literature
    • Authors sought to document and share their cultural heritage through their writings
    • The importance of oral storytelling and its role in maintaining cultural continuity is a recurring theme
  • The impact of colonization and the struggle for Native American rights are prominent topics
    • Early Native American writers often addressed the injustices faced by their communities, such as land dispossession and forced assimilation
    • Works like William Apess's "Indian Nullification of the Unconstitutional Laws of Massachusetts" (1835) directly challenged colonial policies and advocated for Native American sovereignty
  • The relationship between Native Americans and the natural world is a significant theme
    • Many stories and legends emphasize the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment
    • The importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature is a central tenet of many Native American worldviews
  • Spirituality and the role of traditional beliefs in Native American cultures are frequently explored
    • Early Native American literature often incorporates elements of spirituality, such as creation stories, sacred rituals, and the veneration of ancestors
    • The clash between traditional Native American spiritual practices and European religious beliefs is a common point of tension

Literary Forms and Styles

  • Oral storytelling traditions heavily influenced the form and style of early Native American literature
    • Many works retain elements of oral storytelling, such as repetition, formulaic phrases, and a conversational tone
    • The use of dialogue and direct speech is common, reflecting the importance of spoken language in Native American cultures
  • Autobiographical and semi-autobiographical narratives are prevalent in early Native American literature
    • Authors like William Apess and Charles Eastman used their personal experiences to shed light on the challenges faced by Native Americans
    • These narratives often blend elements of traditional storytelling with Western literary conventions
  • Folklore and mythology play a significant role in early Native American literature
    • Many works incorporate traditional stories, legends, and creation myths, preserving and sharing cultural knowledge
    • The use of symbolism and metaphor is common, with natural elements often serving as powerful symbols
  • Bilingualism and the incorporation of Native American languages are notable features of some early Native American works
    • Authors like Samson Occom and Zitkala-Sa included words and phrases from their native languages in their writings
    • The use of Native American languages serves to assert cultural identity and preserve linguistic heritage
  • The influence of European literary forms and styles can be seen in some early Native American works
    • Authors who received Western education, such as Charles Eastman, sometimes adopted elements of European literary traditions
    • However, many writers sought to subvert and challenge these forms, creating a unique blend of Native American and Western literary styles

Cultural Significance

  • Early Native American literature played a crucial role in preserving and promoting indigenous cultures
    • By documenting traditional stories, languages, and ways of life, these works helped to ensure the survival of cultural knowledge
    • The publication of Native American literature challenged the dominant narrative of American history and asserted the value of indigenous perspectives
  • These works served as a form of resistance against the cultural erasure and assimilation policies of the colonial era
    • Authors like William Apess and Zitkala-Sa used their writings to critique the injustices faced by Native Americans and advocate for their rights
    • The act of writing and publishing itself was a powerful statement of Native American agency and resilience
  • Early Native American literature contributed to the development of a distinct Native American literary tradition
    • These works laid the foundation for future generations of Native American writers and artists
    • The themes, forms, and styles explored in early Native American literature continue to influence contemporary indigenous literature
  • The cultural significance of early Native American literature extends beyond the literary realm
    • These works provide valuable insights into the historical experiences and worldviews of Native American communities
    • They serve as important resources for scholars, educators, and the general public seeking to understand and appreciate Native American cultures

Critical Reception and Analysis

  • Early Native American literature has been the subject of increasing scholarly attention and analysis
    • Literary critics and historians have sought to examine these works within their historical, cultural, and political contexts
    • The field of Native American studies has grown significantly, with a focus on the critical analysis of indigenous literatures
  • The reception of early Native American literature has evolved over time
    • Early critics often viewed these works through a lens of cultural anthropology rather than as literary achievements in their own right
    • However, recent scholarship has emphasized the literary merits and artistic value of early Native American writings
  • Postcolonial and decolonial approaches have been applied to the study of early Native American literature
    • These theoretical frameworks examine the ways in which Native American authors resisted and subverted colonial power structures through their writings
    • Scholars have explored how these works challenge dominant narratives and assert Native American agency and sovereignty
  • The role of gender in early Native American literature has been a topic of critical analysis
    • The works of authors like Zitkala-Sa and Mourning Dove have been examined for their portrayal of Native American women's experiences and their challenges to patriarchal norms
    • Critics have also explored the intersection of gender, race, and colonialism in these works
  • The relationship between oral traditions and written literature has been a focus of critical inquiry
    • Scholars have examined how early Native American authors navigated the transition from oral storytelling to written forms
    • The incorporation of oral storytelling techniques and the preservation of traditional knowledge through writing have been subjects of analysis

Legacy and Influence

  • Early Native American literature laid the groundwork for the development of a rich and diverse body of indigenous writing
    • The themes, forms, and styles explored by early Native American authors continue to inspire and influence contemporary Native American literature
    • Works by authors like N. Scott Momaday, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Louise Erdrich build upon the literary traditions established by their predecessors
  • The legacy of early Native American literature extends beyond the realm of indigenous writing
    • These works have contributed to a broader understanding and appreciation of Native American cultures and experiences among non-Native readers
    • The inclusion of early Native American literature in educational curricula has helped to challenge stereotypes and promote cultural awareness
  • Early Native American authors played a significant role in the fight for Native American rights and sovereignty
    • The political writings of figures like William Apess and Zitkala-Sa helped to raise awareness of the injustices faced by Native American communities
    • Their works contributed to the development of Native American activism and the ongoing struggle for self-determination
  • The preservation and revitalization of Native American languages and oral traditions have been influenced by early Native American literature
    • The documentation of traditional stories and the incorporation of Native American languages in these works have aided efforts to maintain and promote linguistic and cultural heritage
    • Contemporary Native American authors and scholars continue to draw upon the legacy of early Native American literature in their efforts to preserve and celebrate indigenous languages and cultures

Further Reading and Resources

  • "The Columbia Guide to American Indian Literatures of the United States Since 1945" edited by Eric Cheyfitz
    • This comprehensive guide provides an overview of Native American literature from the post-World War II era to the present, including critical essays and bibliographic resources
  • "The Cambridge Companion to Native American Literature" edited by Joy Porter and Kenneth M. Roemer
    • This collection of essays offers a wide-ranging introduction to Native American literature, covering key themes, genres, and historical periods
  • "Native American Literature: A Very Short Introduction" by Sean Teuton
    • This concise book provides an accessible overview of Native American literature, exploring its historical and cultural contexts, major authors, and key themes
  • "That the People Might Live: Native American Literatures and Native American Community" by Jace Weaver
    • Weaver's influential work examines the relationship between Native American literature and the ongoing struggle for Native American sovereignty and self-determination
  • "Recovering the Word: Essays on Native American Literature" edited by Brian Swann and Arnold Krupat
    • This collection of essays explores the intersection of Native American oral traditions and written literature, offering critical perspectives on the development of Native American literary studies
  • "The Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry" edited by Joy Harjo, LeAnne Howe, and Jennifer Elise Foerster (forthcoming)
    • This forthcoming anthology promises to be a landmark collection of Native American poetry, spanning from ancient oral traditions to contemporary works
  • The Association for the Study of American Indian Literatures (ASAIL)
    • ASAIL is a professional organization dedicated to the study and promotion of Native American literatures, offering resources, conferences, and publications for scholars and students
  • The Native American Literature Symposium
    • This annual conference brings together scholars, writers, and students to discuss and celebrate Native American literature, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of new research


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.