Native American Literature Introduction
Native American Literature Course Overview
Focus: Short fiction starting from the 1960s, culminating in a film.
Emphasis on longer texts than previously read.
Main authors include Hogan, Erdrich, Alexi, King, and Bruckock, with Silcoe being a significant figure.
Class Schedule Adjustments
Minor changes to the reading schedule have been made.
Important doctor's appointment on April 20, may necessitate further adjustments to the schedule.
Introduction to Silcoe's Work
Silcoe's story 'Silco' is highlighted as the oldest in the syllabus.
Written by Silcoe as an undergraduate in 1967 and published in 1969.
First publication was in Mexico Quarterly, marking an important beginning for the author.
Historical Context: Tensions between Cultures
Historical Events
15th Century: Arrival of Columbus and Spanish colonization.
Hernan Cortes conquered Mexico in 1519, leading to cultural tensions.
Initial contact with Pueblo peoples occurred later than with Mexica (Aztecs).
Spanish Conquest Strategies
Imposition of Catholic churches over sacred Indigenous sites.
Success in seizing control, leading to a 14-year period where Spanish colonizers dominated.
The Pueblo Revolt of 1680
Significant event marking an earlier American revolution.
Coordinated attack on Spanish settlements and missionaries by Pueblo warriors from 19 different villages on August 10, 1680.
Use of communication through knots in fabric to organize this revolt.
Casualties: 401 Spanish settlers died, and approximately 1,900 fled the area.
For a brief period (1680-1694), Pueblo peoples regained independence from Spanish control.
Legacy of the Revolt
Ongoing Spanish suspicion towards Pueblo peoples due to the revolt.
Impact on narrative elements in Silcoe's story, with themes of mistrust and fear present in characters like Father Paul.
Historical Context (1969)
1944: Formation of the National Congress of American Indians.
Year of 1961 saw the establishment of the National Indian Youth Council, advocating for Native rights and treaty violations.
1960s: The Red Power Movement aligned with broader civil rights efforts, underscoring the fight for Native American rights.
In 1978, Native peoples were finally allowed to practice their traditions openly.
Setting and Symbolism in Silcoe
Seasonal Context
Story set around March, reflecting a transition in seasons.
Description includes frost-covered ground and possible recent snowfall.
Topographical Elements
Mesa: An elevated plateau significant in Pueblo culture, providing a sense of sacredness and connection to the heavens.
Arroyo: A usually dry creek bed, indicating the arid climate of the region, with the ability for Pueblo peoples to adapt through seasonal migration.
Cottonwood Tree: Likely a Fremont cottonwood, significant as a source of shade and wildlife habitat, also used for crafting kachina dolls.
Ritual Elements
Rituals reflect a desire for rain, seeking blessings through burial practices and the use of sacred elements like corn pollen.
The importance of sacred colors as linked with cardinal directions in Pueblo cosmology:
North: Yellow
South: Red
East: White
West: Blue
Analysis of Father Paul and Pueblo Interaction
Father Paul's character: A young priest illustrating Western religious practices in the face of Indigenous traditions.
The interactions between Father Paul and Pueblo characters reflect underlying tensions and distrust:
Pueblo villagers are reluctant to reveal true intentions regarding rituals and burial practices.
Key Scenarios and Character Dynamics
Initial meeting with Leon illustrates the disconnect between Father Paul and the Pueblo community, revealing their avoidance of discussing Teofilo's death.
Ritual washing of the body and the significance of water maintains the spiritual connection for the Pueblo people without aligning with Christian practices.
Color symbolism in preparation of the body: Red blanket and paint colors link to spiritual beliefs regarding the afterlife and agricultural fertility.