The New Native American Consciousness in Joy Harjo

• Main Authors: Yun-yin Huang, 黃芸茵
• Other Authors: Steven Frattali
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/84352608671350013066

碩士 === 國立清華大學 === 外國語文學系 === 94 === The aim of this study is to explore the Native American consciousness represented in literary works, especially in Joy Harjo’s poetry. Instead of anger and despair, the new native consciousness of nowadays are more positive, more integrity rather than fragments. Joy Harjo draws various energies from her background to her poetry. First, from the historical context of Indian people, a desolate situation and lonely atmosphere still exists, and even dominates. Also, the idea of ecological interdependence and rich metaphors derived from her tribal experiences strengthen the cultural power of her poetry. More, she ingeniously combines the elements of storytelling and chanting into written forms, giving native poetry a role of tradition-carrier and a new meaning. The religious beliefs of connection of the natural world may provide modern people a new thought of belonging. In addition to general characteristics of native writers, Harjo possesses a stronger idea of continuance and survival by recalling collective memories and facing the past of Indians without fear and shame. She presents a new consciousness of the new Indian generation which respects the ancestors and past in order to earn a future with roots. She is no more an urban Indian without choices but she could live like a real Indian. The role of Native American poetry is a new and particular form and representation of oral traditions, as previous studies have suggested and it would continue to play as an agency of primeval cultures in a historical context. More specifically, Joy Harjo shows a unique way to preserve personal and cultural integrity and how could an urbanized Native American maintain a sense of self and tribe. Thus, the idea that the collective memory is essential in Native culture and also a role that mirrors her significance in Native literature is developed.