Rewriting representations of Native American identity in literature

Nineteenth century American literature painted a narrow portrait of Americans. This portrait, written from the Anglo-American male perspective, misrepresented National identity. Because Anglo-American male authors failed to recognize the voices of "others," Native Americans, African-Americans, and women were misrepresented within their texts. During the twentieth century, "others" began to write their voices into the National literature. However, until the 1960s, the Native American voice remained largely silent. This study will focus on Native American writers' efforts to insert their voices into the National literature. Beginning with an examination of nineteenth century American history and literature, it will be shown that Native American identity in nineteenth century literature was an invention. That examination will be followed by analysis of Native American-authored texts, illustrating those authors' attempts to recover their identity. This project will conclude with an evaluation of Native American authors' efforts to insert their voices within the National literature.