7: Native American Literature
- Page ID
- 338885
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 7.1: Catharine Maria Sedgwick
- This page describes Catharine Maria Sedgwick, a notable 19th-century American author from a prominent Massachusetts family. Educated at home and a finishing school, she endured personal losses before living in Boston and New York. Converting to Unitarianism in 1821, she published her first novel, A New-England Tale, in 1822. Her writings often examined women's roles and depicted Native American cultures, particularly in her novel Hope Leslie.
- 7.2: William Apess
- This page details the life of William Apess, the first Native American to write a comprehensive autobiography, "A Son of the Forest." It highlights his challenging childhood in Massachusetts, his mixed heritage, service in the War of 1812, and journey into Methodism as an itinerant preacher.
- 7.3: James Fenimore Cooper
- James Fenimore Cooper was a significant American author famous for his Leatherstocking novels, like The Pioneers and The Last of the Mohicans, which depicted American wilderness and characters inspired by Daniel Boone. Born into wealth and initially a Navy officer, he turned to writing for financial reasons. His novels highlighted American ideals while revealing societal issues. Despite facing varied receptions during his time in Europe (1826-1833), he continued to write until his death in 1851.
- 7.4: The Peyote Cult (Plains)
- This page highlights the Peyote Cult's influence on the modern Winnebago, as discussed by Paul Radin in 1925. Rituals incorporate Christian elements and involve prayers, speeches, and songs. John Rave shares transformative experiences with peyote, linking it to spiritual healing. A speaker recounts personal healing through peyote, emphasizing its holy nature and ability to cure ailments and harmful habits, leading to a newfound love for life and family.
- 7.5: Of the Girl who Married Mount Katahdin (Penobscot)
- This page narrates the tale of an Indian girl on Mount Katahdin who wishes for companionship and marries the mountain, yielding a son with unique gifts. However, her people's incessant inquiries about his father frustrate her, prompting her to withdraw support from them. The legend illustrates themes of dignity and the repercussions of gossip, ultimately resulting in her community's decline due to their lack of respect.
- 7.6: How Glooskap went to England and France (Passamaquoddy)
- This page recounts the Algonquin tale of Glooskap, a mystical figure who travels to Europe, revealing America's existence to its inhabitants. Adopted by a Woodchuck woman, Glooskap wields a magical pipe and a stone canoe. He seeks to have his mother baptized in France, impressing the king despite being captured. The narrative has roots in an altered Eskimo legend about sorcery and displays variations among Indigenous tales, ultimately highlighting themes of identity and cultural exchange.
- 7.7: The Origin of Disease and Medicine
- This page narrates how ancient animals and humans coexisted until human population growth and weaponry caused destruction. In response, animals held a council to strategize defense against humans but found it ineffective. Some animals proposed retaliatory measures like diseases, while plants offered remedies, leading to the development of medicine. Through this alliance, plants aid in healing when humans seek their help.
- 7.8: Viracocha and The Coming of the Incas
- This page describes the creation myth of the Incas, focusing on Viracocha, who created humanity and established tribes. It details the rise of the Incas, led by Manco Ccapac, amid conflicts and conquests of neighboring tribes. The narrative highlights early tribal organization without centralized governance, the internal strife among the Inca siblings, and the violent takeovers of lands, particularly from the Huallas.
- 7.9: The Magic Feather
- This page narrates the story of White Feather, who, after being transformed into a dog by a giant woman, returns to human form and demonstrates magical abilities. He faces and defeats the giants threatening his tribe, fulfilling a prophecy to become a great chief. Amidst rivalries for his affection between two sisters, he ultimately marries Crystal Stone, culminating in a successful buffalo hunt aided by his magic and celebrated with a village feast.
- 7.10: The Island of Skeletons
- In "The Island of Skeletons," Red Shell, raised by Big Wave after a plague decimates their tribe, disobeys warnings and ends up on a haunted island. There, he is tricked but gains advice from a skeleton to evade a giant. After rescuing his sister, Wild Sage, they cleverly defeat the giant, gather bones, and restore the dead to life. Returning home, they build a new life together, with Red Shell's bravery honored through Wild Sage's marriage to White Eagle, leading to a peaceful existence.