American Literature 11 TH GRADE

Title: Native American Literature 9/2/14Pg 6 Aim: What are the characteristics of Native American Literature? Do Now: What do you know about Native American Literature?

American Literature The young country struggled first for freedom, then to define itself and even -- during the civil war -- to hold itself together. But it also struggled to find its own literary voice; to speak "American" and write "American." It struggled to break free of the European traditions that colonists and immigrants brought with them from "the old country." Even the founding fathers, while striking the Declaration of Independence and drafting the Constitution borrowed on the deep traditions and learnings of European history. As the country progressed and its identity grew, a strong and unique voice, an American voice began to emerge in its writings and letters.

Oral Tradition Long before European explorers came to North America, Native Americans had a rich literary tradition of their own. Their stories, histories, and legends were shared and preserved through oral tradition. The storyteller is one whose spirit is indispensable to the people. These oral stories were chanted, spoken, sung and repeated over and over until embedded into the memories of the next generations. The Native American oral tradition was the only way to pass on tribal history, heritage, and cultural practices. In order to continue hundreds of years of a tribe’s history the young must listen and remember the stories the elders tell and then pass them on.

Language of North America The languages of Native American tribes were never written down before the English arrived from Europe. Their stories were passed verbally from generation to generation.

Myth Myths are ancient stories that are handed down through oral traditions that reflect a culture's belief's, religious beliefs and customs. Origin myth—a myth that explains how something began Folk Tale: a tale or legend originating and traditional among a people or folk, especially one forming part of the oral tradition of the common people. Legends are traditional stories that are widely accepted as historically based, though unverifiable so, based in truth that are sometimes exaggerated to illustrate the point or purpose. Legends were used to "inspire and teach". Legends have an oral AND a written tradition. The languages of Native American tribes were never written down before the English arrived from Europe. Their stories were passed verbally from generation to generation.

Difference? What is the difference between ? Myths originated because of the need to explain natural events and phenomenon. Because of limited knowledge, help from gods as central characters were taken to satisfy people. Myths were mostly fabricated to explain the origin of earth and mankind. Folk tales came into existence because of the need to pass on knowledge in the form of stories and children were told these stories at bed time before the invention of electricity and printing press. Folk tales involved common people and their lives with imaginary characters like fairies and monsters thrown in. Myth: Widely Known Folk Tale: Local Legends: Oral and Written

Some Dominant Themes & Motifs: relationships between humans and animals respect and reverence for mother earth and nature land as the strength of the people village/community/tribe as sovereign cyclical patterns: renewal and continuance importance of tribal traditions and history

Native A. Literature Characteristics Hero Initiation: One recurring motif in Native American literature is that of the young man who undergoes ritual initiation and eventually accomplishes an heroic act. In the end, the hero often dies tragically and becomes revered by those of his tribe. Trickster: The trickster may be a foolish figure who reveals human avarice. Often the trickster's selfish or mean-spirited actions result in being punished. Although the trickster may hurt others or act wrongly, it is nonetheless regarded as a cultural hero in tribal stories. Symbolic Landmarks and Mythology: Animals, landmarks, and inanimate objects may be given human behavioral characteristics such as a greed or jealousy. Inanimate objects and animals may be accorded an equal place with humans in the cosmos, and this equality emerges in Native American literature.

Read The Fox and the Mountain Lion How the Coyote Got his Cunning List any characteristics of N. American literature that you can identify in the story. List examples and/or proof of how you know that these are characteristics.

Exit Slip Exit Slip: Answer the AIM