Native American Literature

Beginning of America ◊First American literature created by Native Americans before Europeans ever arrived. ◊Their ways of life were controlled by their natural surroundings. ◊They had complex religious beliefs, advanced political systems, and strong social values which were reflected in their literature. ◊First American literature created by Native Americans before Europeans ever arrived. ◊Their ways of life were controlled by their natural surroundings. ◊They had complex religious beliefs, advanced political systems, and strong social values which were reflected in their literature.

What is literature? ◊Literature is not limited to the written word. ◊Native American literature was mainly told by word of mouth from generation to generation. ◊These stories were passed down through storytelling and performances. ◊Literature is not limited to the written word. ◊Native American literature was mainly told by word of mouth from generation to generation. ◊These stories were passed down through storytelling and performances.

Types of Native American Literature ◊Traditional Myths: explain and give theories about why things are the way they are today. ◊Creation Myths: explain how the universe, earth, and life began ◊Folk Tales: stories handed down, usually by word of mouth, from generation to generation. ◊Traditional Myths: explain and give theories about why things are the way they are today. ◊Creation Myths: explain how the universe, earth, and life began ◊Folk Tales: stories handed down, usually by word of mouth, from generation to generation.

◊Trickster Tales: folk tales that feature an animal or human character. ◊These characters engage in deceit, violence, and magic. ◊Often trickster tales are mythic, explaining features of the world. ◊Trickster Tales: folk tales that feature an animal or human character. ◊These characters engage in deceit, violence, and magic. ◊Often trickster tales are mythic, explaining features of the world.

Characteristics of Native American Literature ◊Cause-and-Effect Relationships: one event (cause) directly brings about the other event (effect). ◊Use of symbolism: certain parts of nature are used to represent themes in a story. ◊Personification: inhuman things are given human qualities. ◊Cause-and-Effect Relationships: one event (cause) directly brings about the other event (effect). ◊Use of symbolism: certain parts of nature are used to represent themes in a story. ◊Personification: inhuman things are given human qualities.

◊Living in harmony with nature: characters in the story are one with nature. They use nature’s resources wisely and don’t harm their surroundings.

Let’s read some examples!

4 Functions of Native American Creation Myths ◊To instill a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe ◊To explain the workings of the natural world ◊To support and validate social customs ◊To guide people through the trials of living ◊To instill a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe ◊To explain the workings of the natural world ◊To support and validate social customs ◊To guide people through the trials of living