160 likes | 251 Views
Origins & Encounters. Honors English III. Create a chart in your notebook Once finished: In your group, discuss each other’s charts. Do you notice similarities & differences? How have different cultures comprised our country over time?. Home Cultures & How they Connect to America.
E N D
Origins & Encounters Honors English III
Create a chart in your notebook • Once finished: • In your group, discuss each other’s charts. • Do you notice similarities & differences? • How have different cultures comprised our country over time? Home Cultures & How they Connect to America
1st American literature produced by Native Americans • Native Americans did not think of themselves as living in one nation • Belonged to more than 200 distinct groups • Spoke more than 500 languages • Referred to themselves as “the people” in various languages • Ways of life varied according to natural surroundings Native American Life
Reflected in their literature: • Religious beliefs • Sophisticated political systems • Strong social values Native American Life
Primarily oral • Passed down from generation to generation • Storytelling & Performances • What type of source is this? • Types of Oral Literature • Creation Myths • Explain the beginning of the world • Trickster & Hero Tales • Explain how world was transformed to present state • Express common beliefs & values • Ritual Songs & Chants • Part of religious ceremonies Elements of NA Literature
Emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with natural world • Humans have a kinship with animals, plants, land, etc. • Things seen as alive and aware. • What literary device is at work here? • Human & nonhuman seen as parts of sacred whole • Humans don’t rule the world. Instead both live harmonious with each other. • Humans must maintain a true relationship with the world around them. Elements of NA Literature
How young learned tribal history and beliefs • No written language • Long periods of memorization • Drum music • Pictographs (“WalamOlum”) • Knotted strings & belts • Rhythmic repetition • Communicated with animals, nature, and world of spirit • These devices make memorization easier Oral Traditions
Young could ingrain these stories into their heads because of these mechanisms. • Literature was fluid and ever changing • Written word is much different than the spoken. • Removed from the oral tradition • Written records of oral performances • 7 day festivals to bedtime stories • What type of source is this? Oral Tradition
Explanations of how the world works • Answers big life questions • Not to be taken literally • Respect & work with nature • Offer insight into universal questions Creation Myths
According to Joseph Campbell, myths have 4 functions: • To instill awe • To explain world • To support customs • To guide people • Consider these items when reading “The World on the Turtle’s Back” Creation Myths
Source of entertainment • Origin tales • Express values/beliefs • Coyote, Raven, “The Tricky One” • Human & Nonhuman Characteristics • Polarizing • Sacred/Profane, Human/Non, Deceiving/deceived • Lacks morals, but teaches them Trickster Tales
Sung as prayers for rain or to cure the sick • Before battles • Ceremonial, healing, war songs • Repetition Songs
Myth Creation Myth • Traditional story • Passed from generation to generation • Explain ways of world • Result from actions of supernatural beings • How universe, life, earth began • Supernatural explanation of world’s origin • Cause and effect Myth vs. Creation Myth
League of 5 separate NA peoples • Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Mohawk • United in 14th century • Lived in present day NY state • Spoke similar languages • Lived in longhouses with fences for protection • Women grew veggies & gathered nuts/berries • Men fished, hunted, & fought with Mahican people • Warfare gave men power and prestige Iroquois
Where do we see coyotes in pop culture? • What type of character are they? • Okanogan Culture • Central Washington state • British Columbia • Animal People • Supernatural beings to first inhabit the world • Alter shapes • Animal or human form Trickster Tales
Coyote is said to have killed monsters, brought fire & caught salmon. • Trickster • Animal or human who engages in deceit, violence, or magic • Explains a feature of the world • Foolish & clever • Greedy & helpful • Immoral & Moral Trickster Tales