Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1999
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department / School
English
Abstract
This thesis focuses on the identity crisis and subsequent search for a cultural cure through a healing process in each of the aforementioned novels. While the three authors are of different tribal backgrounds, each presents a healing process characteristic of traditional Native American cultures. Each novel focuses on an ethnically mixed, Native American protagonist existing in a confused, alienated, and maladjusted psychological condition prior to and during his or her individual quest for identity. This thesis compares and contrasts the experiences of the protagonists in these thematically similar works, discusses their estrangement experiences, examines their respective quests for cultural identities, and identifies the ritual processes each protagonist follows for survival. This thesis focuses especially on two common, cultural denominators, language use (an ability to express one's self) and landscape recognition. By examining the protagonists' psychological conditions prior to healing, while also recognizing the significant influences of various secondary characters and everyday events, this thesis highlights similarities of these quests in this cultural literary theme.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Momaday, N. Scott, 1934- House made of dawn Silko, Leslie, 1948- Ceremony Allen, Paula Gunn Woman who owned the shadows Identity (Psychology) in literature American fiction -- Indian authors -- History and criticism American fiction -- 20th century -- History and criticism
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
114
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bowes, Tim A., "Culturally Distinctive Quests for Identity in N. Scott Momaday's House made of dawn, Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony, and Paula Gunn Allen's The Woman Who Owned the Shadows" (1999). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 626.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/626