The First American Literature THE NATIVE AMERICANS The First American Literature
ORAL TRADITION Passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and performances. Characteristics of N.A. oral tradition: Always a performance, so always changing Always a lesson to be learned Intended to communicate culture and reinforce identity Purpose is to explain origins and establish codes of behavior
Each tribe had its own language, but different tribes could communicate through sign language.
In oral tradition, oratorical skills are valued and good speakers are valuable members of the community.
TYPES OF N.A. LITERATURE Creation myth: explains how the universe, earth, and life began Trickster tale: shows how the world and its creatures were transformed to the present state Ritual songs: part of ceremonies
TRICKSTER TALES Feature an animal or human that engages in deceit, violence, or magic Forces the community to look at mistakes Most common tricksters are coyotes, crows, foxes Form of entertainment Coyote
NATIVE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY Living in harmony with nature is key idea and this is reflected in their literature.
HARMONY WITH NATURE MEANS: The human and the nonhuman are part of a sacred whole ALL parts of nature are seen as alive and aware Human beings DO NOT have dominion (power, control, dominance) over nature Humans must maintain a right relationship with the world around them.
Native Americans and Buffalo
White Men and Buffalo In the early 1800s-60 million buffalo on the western plains By the late 1800s – near extinction. White hunters killed them for their hides, tongues, for sport, and to destroy N.A. food supply; left the meat to rot
OTHER N.A. PHILOSOPHICAL BELIEFS Native Americans were NOT materialistic Survival is cooperative Community shares everything Something has value when it is given away No one could be hungry if there was any food available Everyone plays a vital role and everyone is accountable to the tribe No differentiation between genders as far as value of their work Punishment – told once/next time dead in the eyes of the people
BALANCE Embraces the contradictory aspects of life Creation myths show both “positive” and “negative” aspects of the world (food crops and poisonous plants; predators and prey) Both sides seen as necessary
NATIVE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Allows for all voices No individual is greater than the whole Government is about responsibility, NOT power Each tribal group has own leader Leads to misunderstanding with Europeans who have one leader (king, president, etc.) For a treaty to be valid, ALL tribal leaders would have to sign
IMPORTANT N.A. SYMBOLS THE NUMBER 4 THE CIRCLE-NO BEGINNING, NO END. It’s sacred as long as it’s unbroken. Fire-Air-Water-Earth North-South-East-West Spring-Summer-Fall-Winter Childhood-Youth-Maturity-Old Age