House Made of Dawn

Definition

House Made of Dawn is a seminal novel by N. Scott Momaday, published in 1968, that is considered a cornerstone of Native American literature. The story explores the life of a young Native American man, Abel, as he navigates the challenges of cultural identity and the disconnection between his traditional roots and modern society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House Made of Dawn won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969, marking a significant recognition of Native American voices in literature.
2. The novel employs a non-linear narrative structure that reflects the oral traditions of Native American storytelling.
3. Themes of alienation, identity, and the clash between traditional and contemporary worlds are central to Abel's journey throughout the story.
4. Momaday's use of vivid imagery and symbolism draws heavily from nature and landscape, emphasizing the connection between the characters and their environment.
5. The novel serves as a crucial point in the emergence of Native American novels, influencing future generations of writers and shaping the narrative around Indigenous experiences.

Review Questions

• How does House Made of Dawn reflect the transition from oral to written literature in Native American storytelling?
  • House Made of Dawn captures the essence of oral storytelling by employing a non-linear narrative structure that mirrors traditional oral traditions. This approach allows for a rich layering of experiences and cultural memories that reflect the communal nature of Indigenous storytelling. Momaday weaves together past and present, showing how stories can bridge generational gaps and maintain cultural continuity despite the challenges faced by Indigenous people in modern society.
• Discuss the role of cultural identity in House Made of Dawn and how it impacts Abel's character development throughout the novel.
  • Cultural identity plays a pivotal role in House Made of Dawn as Abel grapples with his dual existence between his Native American heritage and the pressures of modern life. His struggles with identity lead him to feel alienated from both his community and himself. Throughout the novel, Abel's journey towards reconciling his past with his present reflects broader themes within Native American literature that address the complexities of maintaining cultural identity amid societal changes.
• Evaluate how House Made of Dawn serves as a key text in the emergence of Native American novels and its influence on contemporary Indigenous literature.
  • House Made of Dawn is often regarded as a foundational work that paved the way for subsequent Native American novels by providing a platform for Indigenous voices. Its innovative narrative style and thematic focus on cultural dislocation resonated with later writers who sought to articulate their own experiences. The novel's success encouraged publishers to recognize the importance of Indigenous stories, leading to a greater diversity in contemporary Indigenous literature that continues to explore identity, tradition, and resilience.

Related terms

N. Scott Momaday: An influential Native American author and poet, known for his contributions to Native American literature, including his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel House Made of Dawn.

Cultural Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular culture or ethnic group, often reflected in one’s values, traditions, and social practices.

Modernism: A literary and artistic movement characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new techniques and themes, often reflecting the complexities of contemporary life.