Abstract The paper discusses one of the most famous characters in Native- American oral traditions, the trickster Coyote. The paper examines Haruo Aoki's story "Coyote and Fox" and shows how Coyote serves not only as entertainment, but also as a teaching tool for other generations to learn from. The paper illustrates why the use of these animals is important and what it reveals about Native-American life and values.
From the Paper "One of the most famous characters in Native American oral traditions is that of the trickster Coyote. This character appears in hundreds of Native tales, and in many different tribes. Coyote "the trickster...tends to express unbridled human desires (Leeming 47)." For example in Aoki's story "Coyote and Fox," Coyote exhibits many traits that are common in most Native stories, in this tale though, "He is excessively demanding of food (Leeming 47)." In this particular story of "Coyote and Fox," by Haruo Aoki, Coyote illustrates many forms of boundaries for listeners to learn from. Also, Coyote's disregard to protocol and misbehavior serve as an example of "what not to do," and gives attention to the proper behavior of Fox. Also, Coyote's interactions with Fox create a form through which others may learn. "The funny and immoral activities of the trickster are used to teach children morality by example (Leeming 48)." Aoki's tale illustrates this teaching role of Coyote the trickster."
Tags: protocol, boundaries, misbehavior, Fox, animals, people
Abstract This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes three stories, Native American trickster tales "Coyote, Skunk and the Prairie Dogs," and "Owlwoman and Coyote" and "Walden," by Henry David Thoreau. Specifically it looks at the depiction of the interactions of humans and nature, their similarities and differences, and what relevance the depictions have for Americans today.
From the Paper "His time there was serene, and he said, "Both place and time were changed, and I dwelt nearer to those parts of the universe and to those eras in history which had most attracted me. Where I lived was as far off as many a region viewed nightly by astronomers. We are wont to imagine rare and delectable places in some remote and more celestial corner of the system, behind the constellation of Cassiopeia's Chair, far from noise and disturbance. I discovered that my house actually had its site in such a withdrawn, but forever new and unprofaned, part of the universe" (Thoreau 79). He spent his time listening to the natural sounds, gazing on their wonders, and thinking about the lifestyle that allowed him such peace and pleasure, literally living as one with nature."
Tags:coyote, skunk, walden, thoreau, owlwoman, america
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses T.C. Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain", a novel on the struggles of two couples as they try to achieve the American Dream; one already handed the chance on a silver platter and the other daring the impossible by crossing illegally into America. The paper shows that while Boyle shows off the endless possibilities of the cliched American Dream, his novel impresses on his readers only the futility of attempting to live it, rather than the success that countless of immigrants and Americans have found while fulfilling their dreams and destinies. The paper explores Boyle's use of imagery, including the image of the coyote which is present throughout the book.
From the Paper "There is a lot of emphasis on materialism in the idea of the American Dream, and the Mossbachers seem to be the epitome of both. Contrastingly, the Rincons are desperate to achieve this materialism, which forms the basis of their American Dream. Where there should be a stronger urge for freedom, the Rincons seek fortune in America.
Through materialism, Boyle shows another feature of the American Dream ? greed. Though it is not obvious, the people in Southern California may be driven by their desire for more as a reason to keep illegal immigrants out, knowing that they too are driven by a strong desire."
Abstract This paper shall examine the significance of recounting stories within the tale "One Good Story, That One" and "A Coyote Columbus Story", both by the Canadian author Thomas King. The significance in the act of storytelling is crucial to Native peoples and this is evident in these two stories.
Abstract This paper analyzes the "trickster" archetype and its traits and function in African, Native-American and Christian mythologies. The paper discusses the important role played by the trickster in these three cultures and includes a discussion on the polarity of the trickster as well as Carl Jung's archetype theory.
From the Paper "An archetype is an original model on which something is patterned or based. As used by Carl Jung, an archetype is a prototype for ideas which are useful in interpreting observed phenomena. Archetypes includes such symbols as the hero the superman, the wise old man and the trickster. It is the trickster archetype that is the focus of this research. In the history of mankind the trickster is a significant archetype in nearly all cultures from African and Hispanic to Native American and Christian..."
