This paper is part of the seminar “The Role of Nature in American and Canadian Writing“ and deals with the presentation of the two Indian writers Luther Stan-ding Bear and Zitkala Să. Both of them are seen as representative authors of the first generation of Native American writers at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It is divided into two sections. Each of them focuses on one single author, the contents are discussed separately. The first step will be to give the short biography of both authors. These should help to build the authentic background considered that their works are directly related to their personal life and history. In a second step a detailed description of the special concepts and philosophies explaining the Indian vision of nature will be given. The aim of this paper will be to introduce the reader to the understanding of life with nature. In this context special attention will be given to the earth, the elements like sun and air and, of course, to the animals. It is going to show that Luther Standing Bear and Zitkala Să often share the same view, even though they do belong to different tribes. Consequently all discussions serve as a general explanation of the Indian philosophy. In general it will work out the importance of nature to the Native Americans and basically compare the different lifestyles of Indians and whites. In the end this paper will prove what it actually means to be a ‘Native’ American.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Luther Standing Bear: "Land of the Spotted Eagle"
1.1 Biographical dates
1.2 General philosophy
1.3 The genesis of the Oglala Sioux
1.4 Mother and father – the elements
1.5 The role of animals
1.6 Nature in general
2 Zitkala Să: "Impressions of an Indian Childhood"
2.1 Biographical dates
2.2 Zitkala Să’s vision of Nature
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to explore the philosophical understanding of nature within the works of Luther Standing Bear and Zitkala Să. It examines how Native American writers of the early nineteenth century conceptualize the relationship between humanity, the elements, and animals, ultimately defining what it means to be a "Native" American in contrast to non-indigenous perspectives.
- The concept of human beings as an intrinsic part of nature and Mother Earth.
- The role of the sun and air as spiritual and physical forces in Indian philosophy.
- The belief in equality between humans and animals based on mutual respect.
- The contrast between indigenous harmony with nature and the external influence of civilization.
Excerpt from the Book
Zitkala Să’s vision of Nature
Also Zitkala Să describes the relationship between human beings and animals a really friendly and peaceful one. This she perfectly pointed out in her telling of the ground squirrel. Under certain circumstances neither the Dakota nor the animals seem to fear the existence of the other. On condition that the Dakota always respect the animals, treat them, like their children, as little dignified individuals and never disturb the animal world this relationship is to remain unchanged. With the help of this example she made clear that as long as this remains unchanged, both live side by side with the other. With the help of the following example she makes clear that as long as this remains unchanged, both live side by side with the other, even if the Dakota also have to kill animals for food or in order to have their skin, sinew and other animal products.
“It was a little ground squirrel, who was so fearless of me that he came to one corner of the canvas and carried away as much of the sweet corn as he could hold. I wanted very much to catch him, and rub his pretty fur back, but my mother said he would be so frightened if I caught him that he would bite my fingers.” (Să, 13)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section presents the seminar paper's focus on the authors Luther Standing Bear and Zitkala Să, establishing the framework for analyzing their Native American perspectives on nature.
1 Luther Standing Bear: "Land of the Spotted Eagle": This chapter examines the philosophy and cultural background of Luther Standing Bear, highlighting his autoethnographical approach to explaining the Lakota lifestyle.
1.1 Biographical dates: A brief overview of the author's life, his education at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, and his later career as an actor and writer.
1.2 General philosophy: Discusses the foundational Lakota belief that humanity is not superior to nature but is a component of the world.
1.3 The genesis of the Oglala Sioux: Explores the tribe's origin legends, emphasizing their deep, sacred connection to the soil and the Black Hills.
1.4 Mother and father – the elements: Analyzes the roles of Earth as a mother and the sun as a father figure, describing the latter as a provider of growth and a spiritual cleanser.
1.5 The role of animals: Details the peaceful coexistence between the Lakota and animals, asserting that animals are considered trusted friends rather than subjects to be conquered.
1.6 Nature in general: Concludes that the Lakota live in kinship with all creatures, rooted in the belief that all life is unified under the same principles.
2 Zitkala Să: "Impressions of an Indian Childhood": Analyzes Zitkala Să’s autobiographical essay, which reflects on the importance of nature within her Yankton Sioux upbringing.
2.1 Biographical dates: Documents the author's life from her birth at Pine Ridge to her political activism and literary contributions.
2.2 Zitkala Să’s vision of Nature: Investigates her depiction of human-animal relationships and the intrusion of civilizing influences that disrupt the spiritual bond with nature.
Keywords
Native American, Nature, Luther Standing Bear, Zitkala Să, Lakota, Dakota, Indian Philosophy, Mother Earth, Wakan Tanka, Equality, Harmony, Animal relations, Cultural tradition, Autoethnography, Wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
This paper examines the Indian concept of nature as presented in the works of two representative Native American authors, Luther Standing Bear and Zitkala Să.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the interconnection of life, the spiritual roles of the earth and sun, the principle of equality between humans and animals, and the philosophical conflict between indigenous life and western civilization.
What is the overarching research question?
The research explores what the "Native American vision of nature" entails and how it shapes the lives, philosophies, and definitions of Native American identity.
Which methodology is applied in the research?
The paper uses a comparative and analytical approach, examining biographical backgrounds and literary texts to extract and explain specific concepts of Indian philosophy.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body is divided into two sections, one for each author, covering their biographical backgrounds and analyzing their specific insights regarding the elements, animals, and the spiritual bond with nature.
Which keywords best characterize the paper?
Key terms include Native American, Indian Philosophy, Mother Earth, Wakan Tanka, Lakota, and natural harmony.
How do Luther Standing Bear and Zitkala Să differ in their backgrounds?
While both were part of the first generation of Native American writers and attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, they belong to different tribes (Oglala Sioux vs. Yankton Sioux) and present their experiences through different autobiographical contexts.
What role does the sun play in Lakota philosophy according to the author?
The sun is regarded as a "father" figure, a necessary force for growth, and a "cleanser" that provides both physical health and spiritual enlightenment to the community.
How does Zitkala Să characterize the impact of "civilization"?
She depicts the arrival of white missionaries and educational institutions as a disruptive force that introduces temptation and destroys the spiritual connection between Native Americans and their natural environment.
- Quote paper
- Gina Mero (Author), 2006, Explaining Indian Concepts of Nature: Zitkala Sa and Luther Standing Bear, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/58921
