House Made Of Dawn Sparknotes
Often times in Native American literature, authors offer a better understanding of what the traditions and values are in regards to the Indian culture. Interestingly enough, specific characters offer different ways in which they express their traditional way of life. House Made of Dawn, by N. Scott Momaday, introduces Francisco, Abel’s grandfather, who took on the role of being his guardian. Winter in the Blood by James Welch shows a grandmother that is neglected by her grandson because “distance” was very much relevant in his life (2). The Round House by Louise Erdrich speaks of Grandma Ignatia Thunder, also referred to as the medicine woman, who is a “hardened,” “dried out” lady that spoke Indian (71). These three tribal elders embody significant traditional native values in these works while also presenting them in a way that is unique to their
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The loss of Abel’s Indian identity is a struggle that is faced throughout House Made of Dawn. Abel yearns to find a position in society that would ultimately give him some sense of identity. Through the act of storytelling the “old man, Fransisco” made efforts to try and guide a path for Abel to follow his native traditions. But at a young age, Abel found it nearly impossible to conform to the ideas and traditions of the “Pueblo people” (34) He did not want to label himself as something he saw no identity in (34). However, when Abel grew “old enough,” and Francisco grew elderly, the teachings he enforced upon Abel began to sink in and become “clear” because he came back to the reservations to take on caring for Francisco (156). During this time they spent together, Francisco mentioned a spiritual tradition
The loss of Abel’s Indian identity is a struggle that is faced throughout House Made of Dawn. Abel yearns to find a position in society that would ultimately give him some sense of identity. Through the act of storytelling the “old man, Fransisco” made efforts to try and guide a path for Abel to follow his native traditions. But at a young age, Abel found it nearly impossible to conform to the ideas and traditions of the “Pueblo people” (34) He did not want to label himself as something he saw no identity in (34). However, when Abel grew “old enough,” and Francisco grew elderly, the teachings he enforced upon Abel began to sink in and become “clear” because he came back to the reservations to take on caring for Francisco (156). During this time they spent together, Francisco mentioned a spiritual tradition