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Introduction to Native American Literature

Introduction to Native American Literature. Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago European Settlers: 16 th and 17 th centuries St. Augustine, Florida- 1565 Jamestown, Virginia- 1607 Exchange of culture and more: What do you already know?. The First Americans:.

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Introduction to Native American Literature

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  1. Introduction to Native American Literature

  2. Native Americans: 12,000-70,000 years ago • European Settlers: • 16th and 17th centuries • St. Augustine, Florida- 1565 • Jamestown, Virginia- 1607 • Exchange of culture and more: What do you already know? The First Americans:

  3. Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue • But, there were already several hundred Native American Tribes • The Great Land Bridge • Each tribe had their own myths passed down through oral tradition and ceremonial storytelling. 1492

  4. Universal Origin Myths Characteristics: Often Explain: Beginning of Human Life Religious Rites Natural Landmarks Animals Events outside of human control • Recount origins of Earthly Life (Creation Stories) • Passed Down in Oral Traditions • Exist across cultures Myth: anonymous, oral story, which relies on the supernatural to explain natural phenomenon, human behavior, or mysterious events. They help make sense of the world.

  5. Archetypes Model or ideal character, universally recognized and repeated in pattern Small Determined Character Mother Disobedient/Very Obedient Child Being made up of two races Source of nutrition/life • Hero • Loner • Trickster • Angel/Devil • Mentor

  6. Purposes of Origin Myths and Creation Stories • Support and validate social customs: familial and gender roles, spiritual rites, etc. • Give people order and identity. • Help people through difficult times in life: sickness, famine, etc. • Explain the workings of the natural world: earthquakes, tornadoes, drought, etc. • Understand the mystery of the world.

  7. Native American Origin Myths • Emphasize a strong spiritual bond between the creator, humanity, and nature. • Maintaining balance between these forces is very important. • Drums were used to keep rhythm: • Memory device • Way to commune with nature. • Common Conflict: Ancient customs vs. modern life • Common Theme: Circle of Life • Common Symbols: Fire, Water, Land, Wind

  8. Reading Assignment: • Read “Earth on Turtle’s Back” Onondaga • Part of the Five Nations, or Iroqois Confederacy • Location: What is now upstate New York

  9. “Earth on Turtle's Back” • What does this myth reveal about Onondaga beliefs? Explain, citing evidence to support analysis. • Which archetype is introduced? Analyze the development and impact of this archetype. (Under what circumstance does the archetype come about? How does the archetypal character impact the plot?)

  10. reading assignment • Read: “When Grizzlies Walked Upright” • Modoc • From what is now southern Oregon/northern California • Famous for their weaving • Forced to relocate to a reservation in Oklahoma

  11. “When Grizzlies Walked Upright” • Which archetype is developed in this myth? Analyze the impact this archetype has on the conflict and resolution.

  12. Reading Assignment: • Read: “The Navajo Origin Legend” • Navajo • Largest Native American nation • Settled in the Southwest • Reservation now: 24,000 square miles in AZ, UT, NM

  13. The Navajo Origin Legend • Use textual evidence to analyze the importance of the wind in Navajo culture.

  14. For all 3 Myths: • With a partner, create a simple chart that shows the following for all 3 myths: • 1. How do humans impact creation? Are they active or passive? What are their roles? • 2. How are the gods portrayed? Benevolent? Vengeful? Other?

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