How do Native American Western novels reflect the culture of Native Americans in the West?
They reflect it by portraying the social structures within Native American communities. In novels like 'Tracks', the family and tribal hierarchies are shown. The roles of elders, women, and warriors are often depicted. Also, the stories and legends passed down through generations are incorporated. Native American Western novels are a way to preserve and share these cultural elements. For instance, in 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven', Sherman Alexie uses the format of short stories to tell about different aspects of Native American life, from pow - wows to the difficulties of living on the reservation, all of which are part of the rich cultural tapestry of Native Americans in the West.
Native American Western novels reflect their culture in many ways. For example, through the use of native languages or the mention of traditional ceremonies. In 'Ceremony', the author Leslie Marmon Silko uses Laguna Pueblo language and describes kiva ceremonies, which are important aspects of Native American culture. These novels also show the relationship with the land, like how in 'Fools Crow', the connection between the Blackfeet tribe and the Montana landscape is depicted. It shows how the land is not just a physical place but a spiritual and cultural entity for Native Americans in the West.
