Wynema A Child Of The Forest Summary

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Native American literature during the time of the establishment of the United States is often an overlooked subject. Writers during that time put their neck and heart on the line over their work, by which they hoped would evoke understanding and comfort in their fellow Native American and European readers. Writing was a form of social activism, which was driven by a deep awareness harnessed in the midst of conflicting thoughts about the outside influences making themselves present on the long withstanding culture of the Native Americans. Some works that were published by those coming from a Native American background were often times controversial, even to the effect by which the controversy came from those of their own people. All in all, …show more content…

Women such as S. Alice Callahan wrote a novel entitled Wynema: A Child of the Forest. Her book is composed of a deep understanding and appreciate that connected both a white teacher and her Native American student. Through mutual comprehension and respect, their loving relationship, known as a “sisterly” bond, broke down intercultural barriers imposed on the people of the time. Although this book is thought to be a pure work of fiction, it does not sway in its accuracy. Callahan’s work strove to show the humanized and sensitive side of a Native American bond, and the white teacher’s appreciation of someone who is different from them. Jane Johnston Schoolcraft is another name to mention in Native American literature. Highly educated, she wrote of her people’s culture and customs in a relatable way for the reader. To name one other, the highly controversial brave narration by Sarah Winnemucca spoke of Christian ministers and their barbaric actions they imposed on the mistreatment of Indians. She clearly labeled mistreatments the Native people were forced under, and highlighted brutalities by which alleged “civilized” men acted more violent than her people, who were held to high-principled behaviors under their traditions, yet still remained “savages” under the public eye. Whether male or female, the outrageous labels remained against the people who sustained their culture long before any inhabitant walked the same Earth as they. Literature brought new perspectives to the people living within the United States’ territory, and served as a public outcry by those who have been united by the injustices, which had separated

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