In this lesson, well explore the heritage and themes of american indian. There are a number of different characteristics of native american literature that are commonly observed. Five characteristics of native american literature synonym. Africanamerican literature refers to literature written by americans of african descent. Trickster exist to embody human flaw tricksters are punished because they are the bad guy, and you have to punish the bad guy still regarded as a cultural hero. The period following the civil war until 1919 is dubbed the reconstruction period. The united states has such a large and varied literature that we can make no true generalizations about it. Trickster figure in native american literature historical context in native american literature, the trickster figure is best known as a shapeshifterit is all things to all people. Mar 31, 2020 im glad that this article doesnt try to make too many sweeping statements about native american culture. Native american literature is comprised of a collection of oral and written works that express the history, philosophy and culture of any one of the different groups of indigenous peoples of north and south america. Many elements of nature can be symbolic of larger ideas. Native literature what is native american literature.
An introduction to native american literature 1015 words. I was shocked to find out all of the traits that run in my family to indicate native american ancestry. Indian cultures in the new world, particularly the advanced ones, relied on the use of advanced agricultural techniques and the cultivation of their staple food crop of maize. It wasnt until the 1960s70s that native american literature was given a place in our literary canon. The diary of a young girlby opal whiteley, selected and adapted by jane boulton, illustrations by barbara cooney.
Jan 26, 2017 there is a basic formula that i use to teach my students african literature. Geneology and culture were both preserved through the oral traditions. One of the primary characteristics of the trickster figure is its ambiguity. A very common theme in american indian stories is the link between the land and people.
Tepees were common in the north and plains region as the people followed changing of seasons or movement of a herd. Before the founding of the united states, the british colonies on the eastern coast of the presentday united states were heavily influenced by english literature. It begins with the works of such late 18thcentury writers as phillis wheatley. Native american nations have a rich oral tradition of storytelling. Or, must we only label literature written by native americans who learned english and became mainstream writers as genuine indian literatu. Many of the characteristics of colonial american literature can be found in the poems, journals, letters, narratives, histories and teaching materials. Animal legends were a significant part of native american literature and culture because tribal members believed animals had humanlike characteristics, including the ability to communicate with humans and help them in time of need. These stories typically include animals as a central component of the story in some way. Lavonne brown ruoffs essay on western american indian writers.
Jean forward this thesis examines the ongoing trends in depictions of native american indians in popular mainstream media from the last two decades. These include ancient hieroglyphic and pictographic writings of middle america as well as an extensive set of folktales, myths. Creates empathy we feel along with everyone else and share the same feeling for a greater cause. The principal characters are the gods of the wind, the rain, the dawn, the sun, the semiprecious stones, the sacred plants, corn maize, tobacco, squash, and the. Although there were certainly slaves writing in the early days of slavery and colonization, the african american literary tradition began to take root in the 17th and 18th centuries, when former slaves such as frederick douglass. Forum what similarities can you find between native traditions and traditional storiesbeliefs of the modern day. Two children including twins of the same parents can exhibit stereotypical white or indian characteristics. This is part of a more generalized anthropomorphic tendency in native american folk traditions.
When you narrow it down african literature can basically be divided into 3 discernible trends or epochs 1. When i was little, a lot of people that i looked oriental. Characteristics of african american literature pen and. What are the characteristics of native american literature. These are very permeable physical characteristics that can change after one generation or even in the same generation. Some of the common features include symbolism, oral story telling, tribal mythology and so much more. Do native american characters have ridiculous imitation indian names such as. There are a lot of traits that can hint to american indian ancestry. Many tribes were seminomadic and depended more on buffalo hunting than on agriculture. Captivity of north america and continued as a significant genre of american literature essay 1406 words 6 pages. Five characteristics of native american literature hero initiation. A number of native american tongues have a form for the plural of the noun that differs from the singular form, but many others have the same form for both, as in the english noun sheep. Elias boudinot was one the first native writers to actually voice his the concept that indians should reject their own culture and embrace the culture of the civilized society.
Native american literature, also called indian literature or american indian literature, the traditional oral and written literatures of the indigenous peoples of the americas. In film and television, american indians have long been portrayed as people of few words with magical powers. Many people identify those with native american heritage based solely on hair and skin color. There is no single characteristic that translates from. What are some examples of themes in american literature.
Today, it seems there is indeed such a thing as native american literature, and it is found most clearly in novels written by native americans about the native american experience. I had almondish shaped eyes, and extremely dark hair and extremely dark eyes. Major themes in native american literature university of warsaw. The native american population as a whole is truly diverse. These elements that are present in native american language and literature, along with unique perspectives on the world, society and cultures, differentiate native american legends from anglo american and other mythology. Characteristics of the native american creation myth. Genre characteristics 2 genre definition frequently found elements picture book examples journals and diaries a log written by an author at regular intervals. The absolutely true diary of a parttime indian by sherman alexie, the round house by louise erdrich, ceremo. Native american literature native american literature plains. Additionally, animals may be given human behavioral characteristics such as a greed or jealousy. Native americans might celebrate and display cultural traditions.
What are characteristics of native american literature. An introduction to native american literature native american literatures embrace the memories of creation stories, the tragic wisdom of native ceremonies, trickster narratives, and the outcome of chance and other occurrences in the most diverse cultures in the world. Beginning with these simple, essential characteristics of literature, the. Get an answer for what are the characteristics of american literature. A critical view of native american literature and its significance. When you look at native american culture today it might seem to have a lot of things in common from tribe to tribe, but thats because many people are looking at it through a western lens. Is, then, american indian literature written in the american indian.
What are the physical characteristics of native americans. Apr 17, 2017 african american literature refers to literature written by americans of african descent. Archetypes in native american myth by laura miller on prezi. Dec 02, 2010 maybe in 2050, you wont have to put together a norton anthology of latino literature because latino literature will be american literature. Involves historical fact and legend, mostly male of noble birth that values courage and honor, fairly superhuman, complete quest, his actions determine fate of hero. Characteristics of colonial american literature pen and the pad. Native american literature page 1 of 4 the sun still rises in the same sky.
What are some common characteristics of indigenous peoples. These include ancient hieroglyphic and pictographic writings of middle america as well as an extensive set of folktales, myths, and oral histories that were transmitted for centuries. A critical view of native american literature and its. The physical characteristics of the native american indian would sole depend upon the tribe, clan and family lineage you were referring to. Native american literature, world fiction, books barnes.
What are some common characteristics of indigenous peoples cultures. Its themes were influenced by segregation, lynching, migration and the womens suffragette. What are characteristics of native american literature answers. There is a basic formula that i use to teach my students african literature. This article will help you understand the basic characteristics of the creation myth, learn the alternative names of the creator or great spirit, read some examples of such myths, and bookmark some useful. First, american literature reflects beliefs and traditions that come from the nations frontier days.
Distinct languages, cultures and beliefs, and strong bonds with their environment and surrounding natural resources are some of the common characteristics of indigenous people. Africanamerican literature starts with narratives by slaves in the prerevolutionary period focused on freedom and abolition of slavery. What are some common characteristics of african literature. The structure of the works and narration techniques typical of native american prose, originating in the oral tradition, will also be the focus of our attention. Mar 10, 2020 the major elements of native american mythology include trickster figures, death as a universal theme, twin myths and oral traditionstorytelling. American indian literature, commonly told as oral traditions, was the earliest american literary period, lasting until around 1620. First and second wave native american literature by tara ann carter overview. American literature is literature written or produced in the united states of america and its preceding colonies for specific discussions of poetry and theater, see poetry of the united states and theater in the united states.
Four major themes of latin american literature definitions, authors, and details. Belief systems and traditions vary from tribe to tribe. The primary setting for native american literature is in, or around, nature. Native american literature, the traditional oral and written literatures of the indigenous peoples of the americas. You can find more information about tricksters and their characteristics by visiting this website. But, on the other hand, the more global the world and. Use stories to teach moral lessons and convey practical information about the natural world. Another characteristic of native american literature involves attributing human characteristics to landmark formations or inanimate objects. Literature from the period depicting indian characters was incredibly popular, and many works are still celebrated as classics, including james. For far more information than is included in this brief list, see the selected bibliography on native american literature see also the description and bibliography from a literary history of the american west.
The 20 remake of the lone ranger, featuring native american sidekick tonto johnny depp, renewed concerns about whether the media promotes stereotypical images of native americans. Divided into numerous cultural and language groups, native north americans practice many different religions and customs. Native american literature pre1492 to 1650 historical context n. There are various characteristics of native american literature. This is also why repetition is so key and prevalent in.
The colonial and early national period american literature. The literature of native americans, as in other culture, is an expression of how one sees the world and ones role in it. Native american literature joseph bruchac few peoples have been as appreciated and, at the same time, as misrepresented as the many different cultures today called american indian or native american. Characteristics of romanticism in american literature. What are the characteristics of native american culture. Michael dorris, modoc indian, once said that a requisite for native literature is a reflection of a shared consciousness, an identifiable worldview. Common themes in american literature include the great journey, the loss of innocence, the great battle, love and friendship, and revenge.
These elements that are present in native american language and literature, along with unique perspectives on the world, society and cultures, differentiate native american legends from angloamerican and other mythology. Characteristics of native american literature flashcards. The major elements of native american mythology include trickster figures, death as a universal theme, twin myths and oral traditionstorytelling. The pioneer ideals of selfreliance and independence appear again and again in american writings. American literary movements characteristics of the periods. Most native americans believe in the cultivation and preservation of natural resources. Maybe in 2050, you wont have to put together a norton anthology of latino literature because latino literature will be american literature. Precolonial idyllic life this phase includes the heaven like. Before the high point of slave narratives, africanamerican literature was dominated by autobiographical spiritual narratives. Cop ways traditional history and characteristic sketches. Jun 18, 2014 there are various characteristics of native american literature. American authors have great respect for the value and importance of the individual. Noun cases like those of latin occur in some languages, but a lack of case distinction similar to english usage is more common at least n of mexico.
The first native american literary texts were offered orally, and they link the earthsurface people with the plants and animals, the rivers and rocks, and all things believed significant in the life of americas first people. A brief history of native american written literature. Trickster is but a creator and destroyer, a truthteller and a liar. Characteristics of african american literature pen and the pad. For example, what different ideas might a tree symbolize. Jul 20, 2017 colonial american literature emerged from the original u. American literature midterm study guide henry county school. For example, if one picks up a novel, one expects it to contain plot, characters, and setting.
Important qualities of native american myths synonym. The expansive area of north america between the mississippi river and the rocky mountains, extending from the gulf of mexico to the american subarctic, embodied many cultures whose various rites and ceremonies emerged from a common background. Protest literature early native american literature was preoccupied with trying to change the political and social status of their people. These images appear in dreams of all humans and in the myths of every human culture. European settlers were fleeing to the new land in order to escape religious persecutions, in order for that to happen, they had to take the land from the native americans which later progressed to kidnapping and captivity of some early settlers. Although there were certainly slaves writing in the early days of slavery and colonization, the africanamerican literary tradition began to take root in the 17th and 18th centuries, when former slaves such as frederick douglass and phillis wheatley came to the attention of the. What are the major elements of native american mythology. What are common characteristics of native american literature. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Major themes in native american literature university of. Introduction to native american literature libguides university of. Native literature characteristics of native literature. Novelist and scholar louis owens remarks that there is a learning curve when approaching american indian literature, as the art of storytelling, tribal, historical or ceremonial knowledge is necessary to fully understand the nuances of this particular genre.
Africanamerican literature is the body of literature produced in the united states by writers of african descent. Native american literatureselected bibliography, compiled by k. Chapter 1 what were the common characteristics of all native american cultures in the new world, and what were the important differences among them. What are common characteristics of native american. Pdf a brief introduction to native american literature is to be given at. This can be seen in the dramatic differences between their literature and literary themes. The theme of a book is the underlying meaning within the story. Compare and contrast this website to the above linked website.
Pdf a critical view of native american literature and its significance. When the colonies were first established, they were very divided. Worlds shaped by supernatural beings, animals with human traits and drama between the natural and supernatural worlds are some of the characteristics of the native american creation myth. But three characteristics seem to stand out and give it a flavor all its own. What were the common characteristics of all native american. Native american literature, however, conveys some of the common characteristics. The course is an introduction to native american literature with emphasis on themes and issues prevalent throughout its development. During the colonial and early national period, there were several recurring literary themes seen in the literature of this time period. Stereotypes of contemporary native american indian characters. What do you think are important differences and similarities in the way that tricksters and trickster tales are presented. Is genuine indian literature the oral legend which is passed down through the centuries and later put into print. Animals represent tricksters in native american culture. American literature timeline period dates period name period characteristics famous authors and works arrived 40,000 20,000 b.