Native American Literature: Sky Tree & Coyote

What does Bruchac say is part "of the problem" in the West's misinterpretation of Native American literature?

• The first European settlers feared American Indians

• Until recently, no one in the West knew American Indians had literature

• The hundreds of native languages posed a translation problem

• Native speakers have never done translations of Indian literature

According to Bruchac, metaphors are especially powerful in the Native American literary tradition because-

• Words can be endowed with special powers

• Native American writers are inherently poetic

• American Indian writers use nature as inspiration

• Oral tradition has (over time) improved the quality of the original work

In "the Sky Tree," Aataentsic most likely throws herself down the hole after the tree because

• Wood is precious in Sky Land

• Without the tree, there can be no life

• The old chief commanded her to do so

• She wanted to taste the fruit from the tree

In "Coyote Finishes His Work," Coyote helps the people when he -

• Rids the world of evil spirits and teaches important skills

• Amuses people with tricks

• Creates the mountains and the forests

• Protects people from vicious predators

An important characteristic of American Indian literature is that it -

• Is written in an ornate style

• Is written in short sentences

• Was originally not written but passed down orally

• Was told to an eager audience

Bruchac says that Western literature has its roots in stories that are told by word of mouth. Which statement would that point support?

• Native American literature is no less valid than Western literature

• This sort of story is superior to work that began its life as written text

• Western literature is flawed

• All literature has come from a foreign source of some kind

Which of the following statements is not a generalization Bruchac makes about Native American literature?

• It provides an accurate historical record of events in Native American history

• It teaches moral lessons about the natural world

• It includes epic narratives, songs, and chants

• It provides practical information

Which work does Bruchac give as an example of Western literature beginning with the oral tradition, similarly to Native American literature?

• Beowulf

• The Odyssey

• The Song of Hiawatha

• The story of Gluskabe

Which of the following phrases best describes the difference in worldviews that underly Native American and Western literary tradition?

• Nature vs. nurture

• Modern vs. ancient

• Cycles vs. linear progression

• Moral lessons vs. narrative

"Coyote Finishes His Work" and "The Sky Tree" come from different cultures. What themes do they have in common?

• Life on earth begins with an act of sacrifice

• Animals aid and assist humans

• Everything is controlled by women

• Only the earth endures