Explore Native American Short Stories: Perfect for High School Students

Native American literature, just like their culture and history, is a rich tapestry of storytelling traditions. The short stories offer a unique insight into their traditional way of life, beliefs, and values. Studying Native American short stories in high school allows teenagers to better understand the experiences, cultures, and viewpoints of different people. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Native American short stories that are perfect for high school students.

The Storyteller

The Storyteller is a short story by Leslie Marmon Silko that portrays the importance of storytelling in Native American culture. The story follows a grandmother trying to keep her grandchildren engaged and fascinated with the world of storytelling. As the narrative unfolds, she tells a story of a coyote who saves the world from a monster. Through this story, she teaches her grandchildren important moral lessons, emphasizing the significance of their culture and history.

The Man to Send Rain Clouds

The Man to Send Rain Clouds by Leslie Marmon Silko is a fascinating short story that focuses on the Native American approach towards death. The story presents the cultural belief in the importance of rain, and the significance of water in the agricultural success of the community. It follows the story of Teofilo, an old and respected member of the community, and his ceremonial burial practice. The story highlights the interconnectedness of life and death, and the importance of a respectful burial.

“The Way to Rainy Mountain”

“The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday is a captivating short story that presents the history and culture of the Kiowa tribe. The story narrates the journey of the author’s forefathers from their traditional home in the Rainy Mountain to their current location in Oklahoma. As the story unfolds, N. Scott Momaday reflects on the legacy and history of his ancestors, through an amalgamation of myth, legend, and historical facts. The story is a cultural, historical, and geographical exploration, providing insight into Native American history and storytelling traditions.

The Soft-Hearted Sioux

“The Soft-Hearted Sioux” by Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Bonnin) is a short story that depicts the suffering and injustice faced by Native Americans in the United States. The story imparts the pain and frustration of a Sioux mother who is forced to send her son to a white-run boarding school, where his cultural identity is stripped from him. The story emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and the devastating impacts of forced assimilation.

The Bear of Tamonee

“The Bear of Tamonee” by Stephen Graham Jones is a short story that portrays the relationship between nature, animals, and humans. The story revolves around the life of a bear and its connection to the people in a small town. The narrative presents multiple perspectives, including that of humans and animals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life, and the dependence of all creatures on the environment.

Conclusion:

Native American literature offers a unique perspective on culture, history, and storytelling traditions. The study of Native American short stories in high school allows students to appreciate different viewpoints and cultures, promoting empathy and understanding towards others. The short stories discussed in this blog post are excellent reading materials that capture the essence and importance of Native American storytelling traditions.

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