Date of Award
4-6-2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Martha E. Cook, Ph.D
Second Advisor
Rhonda L. Brock-Servais, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Robert "Brett" Hursey, Ph.D.
Abstract
Leslie Silko and James Welch revitalize their creation deities in Ceremony and Winter in the Blood. According to most Indian creation stories, the role of the grandmother is the most influential in American Indian literature. The grandmother has the extraordinary ability to either create or destroy life, depending upon whether she assumes her traditional role as the transmitter of culture. This thesis reviewed the power of the American Indian Grandmother. Silko’s grandmother character assumes this role, therefore, she is a creator. Conversely, Welch’s grandmother character is a destroyer because she rejects her traditional role. Silko’s grandmother character represents the positive lie force of creation deity, because her ancient wisdom continues the life cycle. Welch’s grandmother character symbolizes the negative aspects of a creation deity, because she is a stagnant deterrent in society. Since the oral tradition is the voice that unites the past, the present, and the future, it is the most vital gift of tradition. This offering is embodied in the grandmother. Therefore, this thesis concludes that the grandmother is the most influential figure in American Indian literature.
Recommended Citation
Keener, Lorie Southall, "The Power of the American Indian Grandmother: Leslie Silko's Ceremony and James Welch's Winter in the Blood" (2007). Theses & Honors Papers. 74.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/etd/74
