Native American Literature

"Grandmother Moon"

by Hershman John

"Tonight is the lunar eclipse
Tonight the moon bleeds
Tonight my grandma is home.
Relocated to a house in Oklahoma
She lost her Cherokee homeland
In her rocking chair, a tear drips off her cheek
Grandma Webb cries for the moon
While fanning herself with a beaded Eagle-feather fan
The air is sick as a loud car passes by
And over the buildings the moon begins to glow.
Tonight is the lunar eclipse
Tonight the moon beacons
Tonight all my grandmas are home
Tonight they all see Grandmother Moon
Tonight the moon glows deep like blood
Tonight the moon is Indian."

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/7460/gmothermoon.html

Reflection:
I chose this passage because it represents the pain that the Native American families had to endure. The main point conveyed in this piece of poetry was how the Native Americans had to lose all that they loved and adapt to the white mans life in order to have freedom. Although the land was possessed and founded by the Native Americans the white man felt like they had the authority to take it from them. That is represented through this piece when they have to conform to another life style. I find this heart breaking because the family had lived on their land their whole lives and have watched generations evolve from their families property. Now the family has lost everything, similar to the families effected by Hurricane Katrina but stripping the native americans possessions from them was by force, not a work of nature. Emotions evoked in this writing is pain and sorrow for the lost memories and life that was ripped from the Native Americans. This reflects my life because we have to leave things we love for the sake of others. We all have to do things we dont want to do but we eventually adapt to the adjustments.


Dear Diary:

I remember when I was home with my family and hunting with my siblings in the woods. I always think back to the night when I watched my grandmother sitting on the front porch crying. She is one of the strongest people I know and to see her show the pain that we were enduring, it made me realize that the white man is not here to help. Seeing her so upset made me furious at those who were taking away our possessions, all the things we held dear to our hearts, all the things we had collected over the generations. Where we have been relocated isn't a bad place, but it is not... home. Grandmother hasn't taken this very well; many nights she sits on the porch and looks at the stars, but she says that she can no longer see the stars because of the city lights. She can no longer find peace with herself because she is seperated from what she had become one with, nature.

Essential Question:

The American Dream gives people a level of which they are to achieve in order to succeed in life. When the white men come and take all she has obtained over the years so that they can advance in their settlement is unmoral. The grandmother becomes intolerant with their greediness and disrespect, and she knows that they have no right to come and take her possessions from her because she has worked hard to obtain them. By the white men’s lack of understanding and lack of respect for the Native Americans, it shows a decline within the community due to the fight to obtain the life long goal which is the American Dream.

Of Plymouth Plantation

"Of Plymouth Plantation"

by William Bradford

"Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element."

http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm

Reflection:

I chose this passage because I liked how it reflected on the environment and how appreciative they were to be living. The main point is to demonstrate the appreciation towards God and how the Puritans were able to adapt to new surroundings. This piece represents "coming to America" by conveying the struggle that the people had to endure to get to free land. I am surprised that people were able to make it to the "New Land" with the conditions they were dealing with. I find it interesting that they find that there are people living with poorer conditions then they dealt with on their journey to land. The emotion evoked through this piece is gratitude. This reflects upon my life because everyday I take for granted all the materialistic things we have as a society, and it gives me the sense that man does need to be one with nature in order to be one with themselves.

Dear Diary:
I praise you thy Lord for shielding us from all danger's that were presented to us upon our journey to the new land. Please continue to guide me so that I follow your footsteps. Keep my family safe in my absence; Amen. As I knelt upon the beach praying I looked up and saw that many were doing the same. We are so blessed to have made it through the passage without total destruction. I pray for those who became ill and those who passed during the journey. None of them more important then my family that I left home so that I could find a better life for them; I believe we have found that place. It is so pure here, no civilization, lush with plants and life; it's like a sacred land that God had planned on us to discover. I will write to you soon my dear diary, but for now I must set up camp.

Anne Bradstreet

"To My Dear and Loving Husband"

by Anne Bradstreet

"If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so preserve
That when we live no more, we may live ever. "

Reflection:
I chose this passage because I thought that a very strong message of love was conveyed and I was touched by it. The main point of this passage is to reflect on how their love can never be fulfilled because they cannot be with their loved one and that they must value the time they share together because it can be stripped from them in an instant. This piece represents Native America because it shows the strength of love and how the bond can never be broken despite separation of the tribes. The heart still longs to be with the one they love. I find this passage very strong, I also find it to be quite ironic because the Indians had such desolate living conditions yet they state that "I prize thy love more than whole mines of Gold". This shows a lot to me because they chose love over wealth. Passion is evoked in this passage with the strong bond between a man and a woman. This passage is similar to my life because many people in today’s society do not value love as much as they should. I realize that I will not always be with the ones I love so I value the time spent with them now so whenever there is a time when we are apart, I always have fond memories to think back on.

Dear Diary:
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, but why must he take my most prized possession, my husband. I have not seen him in weeks, yet it feels like years. I long for his arrival, his presence, his voice, his smell, his laughter, his company. Ever since his departure I have not felt complete, he is my better half, without him I am not whole. I count the days that pass by, but reluctantly everyday I add one more to the seemingly endless time that we have been isolated from one another. One day my love will return and fill the emptiness that has consumed my soul.

"A Letter to her Husband"
by Anne Bradstreet

"Till nature's sad decree shall call thee hence; Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both but one."

http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/bradstr1.html

Reflection:

I chose this passage because it shows the power of love holding two together as one through one of the most difficult times of their lives. The main point is that the love she shares with her husband is so strong that they are inseparable and will give anything to be with each other; and how their belief in God provides them with the strength to overcome their obstacle. This represents Native America because many of the families had to obtain such a strong bond with each other in order to keep the love within the family alive. I think this passage is powerful, due to the fact that they are separated they continue to keep that loving bond within them throughout their lives. Dedication is evoked from this poem, there are many other satiable people in their tribes but they continue to hold on to the love they share. This is similar to my life because we will all have to be separated from our loved ones at one point or another and I have created that bond with my family so that it can withstand any situation.

Dear Diary:

I witness myself day by day getting older, and day by day I witness nature and it's beauty. Nature is timeless, I long to obtain its ability, instead I sit here and watch my life growing shorter and coming to... an end. If it be God's will, then I shall follow it; but shall he have a different plan arranged for me, then I will be forth coming to adjust.

"From Contemplations"
by: Anne Bradstreet

"If winter come, and greenness then doth fade,

A spring returns, and they're more youthful made.

But man grows old, lies down, remains where once he's laid.

By birth more noble than those creatures all,

Yet seems by nature and by custom cursed--

No sooner born but grief and care make fall

That state obliterate he had at first;

Nor youth, nor strength, nor wisdom spring again,

Nor habitations long their names retain,

But in oblivion to the final day remain.

Shall I then praise the heavens, the trees, the earth,

Because their beauty and their strength last longer?"

http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/bradstr1.html

Reflection:
I chose this passage because you get a different perspective. Most of the time man is worshipping technology, but now, man worships God and all that it bears. The main point of this poem is to show the relationship between man and nature. Man continually ages, but nature is reborn every year and is given new life. This represents Native America because they use nature such as tree's and animal's to survive, thus they worship nature's ability to re- give. When I read this I was enlightened because this passage made me view nature's ability in a whole new perspective that I had never thought of. I find a sense of serenity is evoked, because man becomes one with nature and appreciates life without the materialistic objects. This parallels my life because I do not appreciate nature to it's full value. I need to recognize how often I use natures gift in my everyday life.

Dear Diary:
I have come to the realization that I envy Mother Nature. I know as a follower of the Lord i must never have these sinful thoughts, but it isn't crazy to think these things, right? Us humans grow old and die, but nature has a wonderful gift. Once a year the tree's and flower's shall bloom and once again they shall die, but they always seem to replenish themselves. Humans strive for eternal life, but none yet set foot on how to solve this beautiful mystery.

Huswifery

"Huswifery"

By Edward Taylor

"Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.

Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,

And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.

My Conversation make to be thy Reele,

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.
Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:

And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:

Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.

Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.

Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,

Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;

My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill

My wayes with glory and thee glorify.

Then mine apparell shall display before yee

That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory."

Reflection:

I choose this because he is expressing his love for the lord, which in this piece he is also crying out for help by asking for him to make his wheel complete. The main point of this section is to show the importance the Lord's role made an impact on his life. This represents Native America because many of the settlers looked to the lord to give them guidance and faith to stay strong when their loves were being threatened. I feel that the settlers may have ignored the problems and were completely dependent on the Lord to handle the issues they faced, instead of compromising and finding a solution. A feeling of desperation is evoked when the speaker puts her life at the hands of the Lord and lets life take its course because they know no other way to complete their life. This passage is similar to my life because at times I give up and wait for some sort of sign or guidance to lead me to a better solution to my problem.

Thesis:

In the poem “Huswifery” Edward Taylor expresses his desire for God’s grace through the use of extended metaphor, repetition and diction.

Dear Diary:

I begeth of you my Lord, to provide for me the utensils in order to make my life complete. Without your guidance I can not live the pure life of which I long to live, for you my God. You have given me so much already, but thy creation is not complete, please, Lord, give me the missing piece so that I may finish and influence the youth, for you my God.

Sinners in the hand of an angry God

"Sinners in the hand of an angry God"

By Jonathan Edwards

"Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down."

Reflection:

I choose this passage because I felt that it was very meaningful. I thought this because it is you who is responsible for your life and actions; you should know where and where not to walk based on ones feelings and comfort. The main point of this section is that it is not always another being to pull you down, but it may be yourself that causes your own downfall. This piece represents Native America because many of the settlers were dependent on one another but in fact they needed to focus on bettering themselves; which ultimately betters their community. I fully agree with this passage due to it's representation of Native American society and today's society as a whole. A sense of self discipline is evoked throughout the piece. This is represented due to the fact that one must not always blame the superior for failure, but must take the responsibility upon themselves in order to become independent. This reflects my life because I have had several incidents where it was I who caused myself not to succeed.

Dear Diary:

I know that thy legs are able to keep me steady, but my emotions may not be. I do not obtain the courage to take on any fear that I may face. With your persuasion God, I will be able to accomplish any task that lie before me. If I cross the unstable path, I shall not make it, but with you by my side, I will have enough support to cross. It only takes one false step to make me slip.

Essential Question:
When there is a struggle within a community many become intolerant, but one must always remember that all things are a work of God and that it happens for a reason, demonstrated in Huswifery. Anne Bradstreet emphasizes the distance between a husband and wife and what impact it makes on the family and how it deters them from the American Dream. When conflict arises many seek blame, but it is not blame we should seek, it is acceptance and learning how to cope with the situation that is presented. While searching for the American Dream, you may have to overcome fear in order to obtain a better life, such as Plymouth Plantation, the settlers had to part with their families in order to find a better life and hope of success.

Equiano's

"The interesting life of Olaudah Equiano"

By Olaudah Equiano

"African slave traders tore him from his family when he was eleven. Thus began a series of worldly experiences not matched by many of the most cosmopolitan people -- let alone of an oppressed young black man."

Reflection:

I chose this passage because I find it to be an important piece of the narrative, it shows what Equiano was faced with. The main point of this passage was to inform others of his struggles and how he had to overcome them, also how he rebelled against slavery. I am angered that people would rip others away from their families only due to their skin color. Equiano conveys sorrow and pride, he does this by describing his horrific event of being separated from his family and pride because he contributes to anti- slavery. This reflects my life because at one point or another in everyones life, something will be taken from them that they held dear to their heart; I have had to encounter this but not to the extent of Equiano.

Dear Diary:
I have dreamt to see your face, to feel your touch and to hear your voice. Ever since I was a young boy, I have not been able to let go of our separation. Many times I think of you and wonder what it would be like to be a family again. We will reunite one day when we find peace among one another. If you could only see me now, you would be so proud; I am fighting against slavery and we will win Ma, I promise you that.

Essential Question:
Equiano’s life has been dedicated to finding this so- called “American Dream”. He has become intolerant during his search because he has encountered many upheavals that he has had to face. Due to his dedication Equiano recognizes that many have it worse then him, and he becomes appreciative of all that he has. He realizes that many do not know that others have similar issues as he does, so he begins to write so that others will know of his struggles which make them hopeful by providing them reference of how to beat these challenges. Due to Equiano’s actions he has helped the community overcome intolerance and has provided them hope that they may be in need of in order to achieve the American Dream.

Interview

Marilyn Lowers- Mother

The American dream is the promise that all who live in the United States have a reasonable chance to achieve success as they understand it (material or otherwise) through their own efforts and resources. I believe I have achieved some success in life due to my education, hard work, good timing, and dumb luck. The old adage of ‘its not what you know it is who you know”, is true. Those folks who are well heeled and well connected generally have an easier time at personal and financial success. Most days I feel I have worked diligently but hard work alone does not guarantee success.

Rob Lowers- Father
My American dream is to be secure, work hard and to contribute to the community. I achieved this dream by working hard and unwavering pursuit of my goals. America is one of the few places in this World that somebody with modest backgrounds, "working class" can be anything they want to be, anything they work for. For me I have the opportunity to have a stable job, attend work everyday; as well as being able to own a home and live securely and do not have to worry about how I am going to have to pay my bills or feed my family.


Chuck Lowers- Grandfather
Being raised in a small blue collar town outside of Pittsburgh, where few even dream of going to college. I had the gift at being talented at football, then earned a scholarship to college. I was able to obtain this dream by working hard both academically and on the field; and during my summer break working in the mines. After graduation I pursued a job in the corporate World. Relying on my work ethics (and a few good investments) I worked my way up through management to the point that now, I own my own business and live a very comfortable life style.

Patrick Henry & Thomas Paine

"Give me Liberty or, give me death"

By Patrick Henry

"We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it."

"The Crisis, No. 1"

By Thomas Paine

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and
grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose
heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his
principles unto death."

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

Reflection:

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine share the same motive that if you are threatened or treated wrongly while being innocent or with cruel intent that they should rebel and fight back.
These men offered their lives and knowledge; which in the long run has benefited us as a society. Because these men gave us insight, we have a different understanding of a situation and now have a different approach on how we may want to handle a similar issue in the future; this also showed how corrupt our society was as a whole. I personally think that Patrick Henry relates to George W. Bush. I think this because they both think that going into War is the best way to settle a situation, if they are unable to compromise; I personally agree. Thomas Paine in my mind represents Obama, I think this because Obama wants change and so does Paine, they both believe in fighting for what is right, but not senseless fights.

Dear Diary:

Although painful to hear the turth, we must know what is real. Although difficult to bear the truth, others must be told. Especially in a time of war when many must fight for one cause, but if no one is aware of the same cause then we are all fighting seperate battles, are we not?

Essential Question:

The American Dream offers hope by giving the people protection against outside threats. However when the barrier keeping them safe is broken one must take action to protect oneself and his family, such as enrolling in the War. Ultimatley causing intolerance to occur within the community.

Creative Writing

Chapter 1 description: Andule’ Andule’. We throw what little belongings we posses over the fence. I go first, as being the man of the family I need to be able to assist my family over if needed and in worst case scenario, I will be the first one shot. I climb to the top of the fence and with excruciating pain yell out. On the top was a roll of barbed- wire. My hand bleeding from the wound does not slow me down. Me and my eldest son Julio grab my daughter’s hand and pull her over then I grab my wife’s hand, seeing guard’s driving towards us, I hear gun shots and with all my might gather the strength to help her over. Once on the other side of the fence I look back, the guard’s are gaining on us. I spot a ditch, with no hesitation I put my daughter in my arms and tell my wife and son to follow. We are now crawling along the ditch, trying not to be seen. Rain water collects in the ditches so now we are covered in wet red clay. I know my family is having a hard time with this but I think it is the best thing for us. We come to a stopping point, exhausted we lean against the walls of what seems like prison. My throat feels like our farm in Mexico during the drought so I ask my wife for the bag and remove the canister of water, I pass it around until we each are able to wet our lips. We are not able to rest long, I realize that day break is approaching and will been seen if we flee during the day. While climbing out of the ditch I felt like I was in slow motion; the journey ahead of us was not nearly over. Reaching a deserted highway we begin to walk along it. Each one of us is holding a sign saying “Por favor isocorro!” of course we must write it in Spanish because we know nothing more but our native language. Hours of impatient waiting a Spanish man in a pickup truck pulls over and tells us to get in. We do as told, we do not ask where he is taking us, we are just grateful to have hitched a ride. The man that had picked us up introduced himself as Pedro; he was a farmer and was transporting his corn to the local markets. As we rode along in the back of this man’s pickup truck I admired all that America offered. Everything was green and luscious, technology was thriving and there was farm land all around; promising to a brighter future. I awoke to find the sun setting, the breeze had a slight chill, almost as if from the ocean. Suddenly Pedro stops the truck; I hear voices and peer around the front. I see a truck reading “Border Patrol”, apparently there was a road block ahead and they began to search the vehicles. Pedro tells us to hide under the load of corn that he had in the back. We scurry around quickly, knowing that they are approaching. My family and I are careful tucked into the pail of corn. The smell is awful, much of dry dirt, I began to feel sharp bites into my body, the bugs from the corn were biting us. I heard footsteps and my heart stop. So many things flashing through my mind at the moment, what if we are caught? Should we make a run for it? Will they kill us? Did I make the right decision? As I lay their motionless I feel movement of the corn that cover my body. Luckily they did not move much, for if they had gone any deeper they would have found my leg. I feel the truck begin to move again. A sign of relief swept across my body, we made it, and we are free. Now it is time to find land and begin to achieve the “American Dream” that every immigrant speaks of.

Nature

Reflection:
Nature reflects ones self. It does so by giving you a place to be one with yourself and to find who you really are. When one is influenced by outside distractions it causes you to drift away from who you are. As a child we appreciate nature, even though we do not know all the beauty it provides, but the young heart is willing to accept it. By having a innocent heart you are carefree and are willing to accept all that mother nature offers; Nature is in line with your heart and causes you to follow your heart instead of your head. This is reflected when Emerson states “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child.” This piece of literature makes me think back to when I was younger and loved to be a part of it. The young mind is able to accept it because we are less restricted and are not yet corrupted by the materialistic things in World.

Heart of Autumn

"Heart of Autumn"

By Robert Penn Warren

"Wind finds the northweat gap, fall comes.

Today, under gray cloud- scud and over gray

Wind- flicker of forest, in perfect formation, wild geese

Head for land of warm water, the boom, the leas pellet.

Some crumple in air, fall. Some stagger, recover control,

Then take the last glide for a far glint of water. None

Knows what has happened. Now, today, watching

How tirelessly V upon V arrows the season's logic,

Do I know my own story? At least, they know

When the hour comes for the great wing-beat. Sky-strider,

Star-strider--they rise, and the imperial utterance,

Which cries out for distance, quivers in the wheeling sky.

That much they know, and in their nature know

The path of pathlessness, with all the joy

Of destiny fulfilling its own name.

I have know time and distance, but not why I am here.

Path of logic, path of folly, all

The same--and I stand, my face lifted now skyward,

Hearing the high beat, my arms outstretched in the tingling

Process of transformation, and soon tough legs,

With folded feet, trail in the sounding vacuum of passage,

And my heart is impacted with a fierce impulse

To unwordable utterance--

Toward sunset, at a great height."

Diary:

This piece makes me feel one with nature because the narrator is observing the birds and the formation of their flight and how ordered they are. He talks about the way that they move, as one in a pack. This is inspiring to me because I too need structure in life to have smooth sailing.

The Beauty of Trees

"Beauty of Trees"

By Chief Dan George

"The beauty of the trees,

the softness of the air,

the fragrance of the grass,

speaks to me.

The summit of the mountain,

the thunder of the sky,

The rhythm of the sea,

speaks to me.

The faintness of the stars,

the freshness of the morning,

the dewdrop on the flower,

speaks to me.

The strength of the fire,

the taste of salmon,

the trail of the sun,

and the life that never goes away,

they speak to me

And my heart soars."

Diary:

This poem makes me feel at peace. It talks about every aspect of nature and how it makes the narrator feel. He is able to find himself; this poem is soothing and the message is easily conveyed through his description.