The Sun Still Rises in the Same Sky , The Sky Tree, Coyote Finishes His Work

Why are metaphors especially powerful in Native American literary tradition?

Words are powerful.  Songs and chants can make things happen.

What is an important characteristic of Native American literature?

Native American literature is told orally.  It teaches moral lessons.  It reflects a view of the natural world more inclusive than the one in Western Literature.

What work of Western literature was inspired by Native American tradition?

The Song of Hiawatha

Why does Aaataentsic throw herself down the hole after the tree?

She goes down the hole to get the tree because she says that without the tree there can be no life.

How are animals portrayed in both "Coyote Finishes His Work" and "The Sky Tree"?

Animals are equal to and help humans.

 What is an archetype?  Give an example.

A pattern appearing in literature across different cultures.  The Tree of Life. Another example would be a trickster, like coyote.