N. Scott Momaday Criticism

N. Scott Momaday stands as a seminal figure in American literature, renowned for his profound integration of Native American heritage into his literary works. His Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, House Made of Dawn, utilizes a fragmented narrative style to explore the complex identity of the modern Native American, as analyzed by Baine Kerr. The novel's symbolic title, referring to a Navajo song, underscores Momaday's ability to weave ceremonial, mythical, and anthropological elements from various Native cultures into a cohesive narrative that addresses psychological renewal, as noted by Alan R. Velie.

Critics such as John Z. Bennett have lauded the novel for its deep exploration of Native American identity, cultural conflict, and its innovative narrative techniques. These themes are further examined by Marion Willard Hylton and Matthias Schubnell, who highlight the protagonist Abel's spiritual and cultural journey of dislocation and recovery. In addition, Carole Oleson emphasizes the novel’s symbolism, particularly the connection between earth and identity.

Beyond his novels, Momaday's poetry collections such as Angle of Geese and The Gourd Dancer exhibit his mastery across various poetic forms. Critics like John Finlay and Roger Dickinson-Brown note that his verse often explores themes of identity and nature, while also celebrating Native American customs. Kenneth C. Mason further explores the intersection of Momaday's work with his heritage, celebrating his cultural roots.

While early in his career, Momaday employed formal poetic structures influenced by figures like Winters, his later works shifted towards more personal and celebratory prose poems, a transition highlighted by The Post-Symbolist Methods and explored by Matthias Schubnell. This evolution illustrates Momaday's pursuit of creative expression beyond traditional forms.

In The Way to Rainy Mountain, Momaday blends Kiowa history, folklore, and personal memoir in a work praised for its contribution to autobiographical literature and cultural preservation, as noted by Roland F. Dickey and Robert L. Berner. These writings, alongside his memoir The Names, create a unified exploration of identity through the blending of mythic, historical, and contemporary narratives, as discussed by Charles A. Nicholas, Wallace Stegner, and Phoebe-Lou Adams.

Momaday's later novels, including The Ancient Child and In the Presence of the Sun, continue to explore themes of identity and heritage, marked by poetic language and imagery. While The Ancient Child received mixed reviews, its depiction of reclaiming Native heritage was praised by Charles R. Larson. Overall, Momaday is recognized for bridging cultural divides and offering profound insights into Native American spirituality and tradition. His work extends cultural perspectives, providing deeper understandings of existence, as articulated by Howard Meredith.

Read Full Introduction

N. Scott Momaday Criticism

Contents