🪶Native American Literature Unit 6 – Native American Renaissance Fiction

Key Authors and Works

• N. Scott Momaday, author of the novel "House Made of Dawn" (1968) which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969
  • Other notable works include "The Way to Rainy Mountain" (1969) and "The Ancient Child" (1989)
• Leslie Marmon Silko, known for her novels "Ceremony" (1977) and "Almanac of the Dead" (1991)
  • "Ceremony" is considered a seminal work in Native American literature, exploring themes of healing and cultural identity
• James Welch, author of the novels "Winter in the Blood" (1974) and "Fools Crow" (1986)
  • "Fools Crow" is a historical novel set in the late 19th century, depicting the struggles of the Blackfeet tribe
• Louise Erdrich, known for her novels "Love Medicine" (1984) and "Tracks" (1988)
  • "Love Medicine" is a collection of interconnected stories spanning several generations of an Ojibwe family
• Gerald Vizenor, author of the novel "Darkness in Saint Louis Bearheart" (1978) and the essay collection "Manifest Manners: Narratives on Postindian Survivance" (1994)
  • Vizenor's works often employ humor and irony to challenge stereotypes and colonial narratives

Historical Context

• The Native American Renaissance emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with the Civil Rights Movement and the Red Power Movement
  • The Red Power Movement advocated for Native American rights, sovereignty, and cultural revitalization
• The period was marked by a resurgence of interest in Native American culture, history, and identity
  • This interest was fueled by increased access to education and a growing awareness of social and political issues affecting Native communities
• The publication of Vine Deloria Jr.'s "Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto" (1969) was a significant catalyst for the movement
  • Deloria's book critiqued the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans and called for greater self-determination
• The Native American Renaissance was influenced by the oral storytelling traditions of various Indigenous cultures
  • Authors sought to incorporate these traditions into their written works, blending Western literary forms with Native American storytelling techniques
• The period also saw the establishment of Native American studies programs in universities and the founding of Native American-owned publishing houses
  • These developments provided platforms for Native American writers to share their stories and perspectives with a wider audience

Themes and Motifs

• Identity and cultural heritage are central themes in many Native American Renaissance works
  • Characters often grapple with the challenges of maintaining their Native identity in the face of assimilation and cultural erosion
• The relationship between tradition and modernity is another common theme
  • Authors explore the tensions between preserving traditional ways of life and adapting to contemporary realities
• The impact of colonialism and historical trauma on Native communities is a recurring motif
  • Works often depict the lasting effects of forced relocation, boarding schools, and other assimilationist policies
• The connection between land, spirituality, and healing is emphasized in many works
  • Characters often seek to reconnect with their ancestral lands and spiritual practices as a means of personal and collective healing
• The importance of storytelling and the oral tradition in Native American cultures is highlighted
  • Authors incorporate elements of oral storytelling, such as non-linear narratives and the use of repetition, into their written works
• The concept of "survivance," a term coined by Gerald Vizenor, is a key theme
  • Survivance refers to the active presence and endurance of Native peoples, despite historical and ongoing challenges

Literary Techniques

• Non-linear narratives and fragmented storytelling are common techniques in Native American Renaissance works
  • This approach mirrors the oral storytelling traditions of many Native American cultures
• The use of multiple narrators and perspectives is prevalent
  • Authors often employ this technique to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Native American experiences
• Symbolism and imagery drawn from Native American cultures are frequently used
  • These elements serve to reinforce the cultural context and themes of the works
• The incorporation of Native American languages and phrases is a distinctive feature
  • This technique highlights the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and adds authenticity to the narratives
• Magical realism, a literary style that blends realistic and fantastical elements, is employed by some authors
  • This approach allows for the exploration of spiritual and mythological aspects of Native American cultures
• Intertextuality, the referencing of other texts or cultural materials, is used to situate works within a broader literary and cultural context
  • Authors may allude to traditional stories, historical events, or other literary works to enrich their narratives

Cultural Significance

• The Native American Renaissance marked a turning point in the representation of Native American voices in literature
  • Previously, Native American characters and stories were often portrayed through the lens of non-Native writers
• The period saw a surge in the publication of works by Native American authors, providing a more authentic and diverse representation of Native American experiences
  • This increased visibility helped to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Native American cultures
• The works of the Native American Renaissance contributed to a greater understanding and appreciation of Native American history, cultures, and contemporary issues
  • These works served as a form of cultural education for both Native and non-Native readers
• The success of Native American Renaissance authors paved the way for future generations of Native American writers
  • The period established a foundation for the continued growth and diversification of Native American literature
• The themes and techniques employed by Native American Renaissance authors have influenced the broader field of American literature
  • The incorporation of oral storytelling traditions, non-linear narratives, and the exploration of identity and cultural heritage have become more prevalent in contemporary literature
• The Native American Renaissance played a role in the larger movement towards cultural revitalization and political activism in Native American communities
  • The works of this period served as a form of cultural empowerment and resistance against assimilationist policies and cultural erasure

Critical Reception

• The works of the Native American Renaissance were widely acclaimed by literary critics and scholars
  • Many of these works received prestigious awards, such as N. Scott Momaday's Pulitzer Prize for "House Made of Dawn"
• Critics praised the innovative storytelling techniques and the authentic representation of Native American experiences
  • The incorporation of oral traditions and the exploration of cultural identity were seen as groundbreaking developments in American literature
• The period sparked a growing interest in Native American literature and culture among academic institutions
  • Universities began to establish Native American studies programs and courses, further legitimizing the field
• Some critics, however, raised concerns about the potential for cultural appropriation and the commodification of Native American stories
  • There were debates about the role of non-Native readers and critics in interpreting and evaluating Native American literature
• The works of the Native American Renaissance also faced challenges in terms of distribution and accessibility
  • Many Native American-owned publishing houses struggled to compete with larger, mainstream publishers
• Despite these challenges, the critical reception of the Native American Renaissance was largely positive
  • The period was seen as a significant milestone in the development of Native American literature and a testament to the resilience and creativity of Native American writers

Influence on Contemporary Literature

• The Native American Renaissance laid the groundwork for the continued growth and diversification of Native American literature
  • Contemporary Native American writers, such as Sherman Alexie, Joy Harjo, and Tommy Orange, have built upon the legacy of the Renaissance authors
• The themes and techniques pioneered by Native American Renaissance authors have been adopted and adapted by subsequent generations of writers
  • The exploration of identity, cultural heritage, and the impact of colonialism remains central to much of contemporary Native American literature
• The success of Native American Renaissance works helped to create a more receptive environment for Native American voices in the literary world
  • Publishers and readers have become more open to diverse perspectives and stories from Native American communities
• The influence of the Native American Renaissance extends beyond the realm of Native American literature
  • The period has had a lasting impact on the broader field of American literature, challenging traditional narratives and expanding the canon
• Contemporary authors from various backgrounds have drawn inspiration from the works of the Native American Renaissance
  • The themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the importance of storytelling have resonated with writers from diverse cultural backgrounds
• The Native American Renaissance has also influenced the development of Indigenous literatures worldwide
  • The period has served as a model for the assertion of Indigenous voices and the revitalization of Indigenous storytelling traditions in other contexts

Further Reading and Resources

• "The Cambridge Companion to Native American Literature" edited by Joy Porter and Kenneth M. Roemer
  • This collection of essays provides a comprehensive overview of Native American literature, including the Native American Renaissance
• "Native American Renaissance" by Kenneth Lincoln
  • Lincoln's book offers a detailed analysis of the key authors and works of the Native American Renaissance, exploring the cultural and historical context of the period
• "That the People Might Live: Native American Literatures and Native American Community" by Jace Weaver
  • Weaver's book examines the relationship between Native American literature and the larger Native American community, emphasizing the role of literature in cultural revitalization and political activism
• "Sovereign Erotics: A Collection of Two-Spirit Literature" edited by Qwo-Li Driskill, Daniel Heath Justice, Deborah Miranda, and Lisa Tatonetti
  • This anthology showcases the works of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Native American writers, expanding the scope of Native American literature beyond the Native American Renaissance
• "Reclaiming Native Truth" project (https://illuminatives.org/reclaiming-native-truth/)
  • This online resource provides information and resources related to the representation of Native Americans in popular culture and media, including literature
• "Storytelling: Native American Oral Traditions" (https://www.pbs.org/circleofstories/storytellers/)
  • This PBS website offers a collection of videos and resources related to Native American storytelling traditions, providing context for the oral influences on Native American Renaissance literature
• "Native American Literature Symposium" (https://nativeamericanlitsymposium.org/)
  • This annual conference brings together scholars, writers, and community members to discuss and celebrate Native American literature, including the works of the Native American Renaissance
• "Studies in American Indian Literatures" (SAIL) journal (https://www.aisc.ucla.edu/sail/)
  • SAIL is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes scholarly articles, reviews, and creative works related to Native American literature, providing a platform for ongoing discussions about the Native American Renaissance and its legacy