N. Scott Momaday Dies Aged 89

Hello Gentle Reader,

N. Scott Momaday is often remarked and remembered as a legendary figure and foundational pillar in the Native American Renaissance literary movement, his groundbreaking and trail brazing novel: “House Made of Dawn,” was the first work by a Native American writer to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1969. Originally conceived as a poetry collection, “House Made of Dawn,” shifted and evolved into N. Scott Momaday’s most breathtaking novel, which became a cornerstone for Native American studies and anthologized work. The novel incorporates circular narrative structure, common in native American oral story traditions, while introducing modernist literary techniques such as stream of consciousness, multiple character perspectives, and a disjointed narrative to trace a Native American veterans disaffected return to society in the postwar society, and his gradual spiritual remediation. The novel is complex, defying both expectations of its content, while introducing readers to literary forms and cultures that were previously unknown to them. Most importantly, however, “House Made of Dawn,” encapsulated a prevailing literary theme for N. Scott Momaday, which was self-defining and actualization. These themes were further explored in “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” an impressive literary piece encompassing history, ethnography, folklore, and poetic memoir, tracing Momaday’s Kiowa heritage. Once again, the work encompasses different compositional methods and voices to provide an overlapping understanding of oneself, time, culture and history. “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” is prescribed as rudimentary reading for newcomers to Native American culture, history, and literary composition which again showcases N. Scott Momaday as not just a writer but a keen scholar and academic. Poetry remained N. Scott Momaday’s favourite literary expression, and critics often declared his poetry exceptional and highly original. Subsequent publications broached a hybrid between poetry and prose. As a scholar, N. Scott Momaday became an expert on oral storytelling traditions, delineating the oral storytelling traditions and ritual of passing down knowledge, history, and cultural significance through tales by Native American’s is not inferior to the written or recorded text, but as much its equal if not even superior, for its roots go back thousands upon thousands of years, when language existed within an ephemeral state without material vessel. N. Scott Momaday may be remembered for his debut novel “House Made of Dawn,” and blazing the path for fellow Native American writers such as Joy Harjo, Louise Erdrich, and Thomas King, to enter the mainstream and occupy and be appreciated by the literary masses and establishment; but most importantly, N. Scott Momaday applied literary theory and criticism to traditional modes of storytelling and recitation, enshrining them within a literary establishment, recognizing their merit and cultural significance.

Thank you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read


M. Mary