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Native American Literary Period

Native American Literary Period. Time Frame: Pre 1620A.D. – 1840 A.D. . Native American Traditions. Native Americans did not think of themselves as living in a single nation. Originally, there were over 200 distinct groups with more than 500 different languages

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Native American Literary Period

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  1. Native American Literary Period Time Frame: Pre 1620A.D. – 1840 A.D.

  2. Native American Traditions • Native Americans did not think of themselves as living in a single nation. • Originally, there were over 200 distinct groups with more than 500 different languages • They had complex religious beliefs, sophisticated political systems, and strong social values, all reflected in their literature.

  3. Literary Characteristics Primarily an Oral Tradition Major Themes • The Native Americans represent America’s first contributors to literature. • However, this literature was orally transmitted through storytelling and performances. • Expresses almost every oral genre: lyrics, chants, myths, proverbs, epics, humorous anecdotes, riddles, etc. • Humans live in harmony with nature, or Mother Earth and Father Sky. • Humans do not have dominion over nature. • Nature as spiritual and physical mother that is alive and endowed with spiritual forces.

  4. Key Terms • Folk Tale = a short, simple story that is handed down usually orally, from generation to generation. Can include fairy tales, legends, myths, and fables. • Myth = A traditional story, passed down through generations, that explains why the world is the way it is. Myths support and validate social customs, thereby guiding people through the trials of living. • Creation Myth = explains how the universe, earth, and life began. • Trickster Tale = a tale of one who is foolish yet clever, greedy yet helpful, immoral yet moral. Contradictory qualities exist for the trickster. May feature a human or animal who engages in deceit, violence, and magic.

  5. Thematic Characteristics – Think AVATAR! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hk0Fyuo9kQ&feature=player_detailpage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hk0Fyuo9kQ&feature=player_detailpage

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