Native American Renaissance marked a fundamental step in Anglo-American studies, since it permitted the representation and spread of a culture that for decades had been undervalued and oppressed. The novel ‘Love medicine’ (1984), written by Chippewa-member Louise Erdrich, brings to an extended audience a structure based on the expression of the storyline by multiple voices. The story, that won great acclaim in its context, expresses key aspects of the North Dakota reservation and the people who still maintain their community alive. This thesis starts with a chronological history of Native American experience from the ‘discovery’ to the Native American Renaissance, passing through the tragic genocide, necessary to understand deeply the historical trauma of traditional populations. The harsh past brought to a desire of rebirth and reaffirmation of Indian culture through literature. In particular, the great example of ‘Love Medicine’ embodies characterizing elements such as the importance of memory and the desire of belongingness to a solid community in finding one’s identity. The sense of connection and union are recurring aspects researched by the members of the families in the narration. Moreover, this work explores the themes of religion, spirituality and the female roles through characters’ lives.
Il Rinascimento Nativo Americano ha marcato un momento fondamentale negli studi Anglo-Americani, in quanto ha permesso la rappresentazione e diffusione di una cultura che per decenni è stata sottovalutata e oppressa. Il romanzo ‘Love Medicine’ (1984), scritto da Louise Erdrich (membro della comunità Chippewa), presenta ad un ampio pubblico una struttura basata sull’espressione della narrazione attraverso più voci differenti. La storia, che ha ricevuto critiche più che positive all’interno del suo contesto, esprime aspetti chiave riguardanti la riserva del Dakota del Nord e le persone che tutt’oggi mantengono la comunità viva. Questa tesi inizia con la storia dell’esperienza nativa americana dalla ‘scoperta’ del Nuovo Mondo al Rinascimento Nativo Americano, passando attraverso il tragico genocidio, elemento necessario per comprendere a fondo il trauma storico subito dalle popolazioni originarie. Il difficile passato ha stimolato un desiderio di rinascita e riaffermazione della cultura indiana attraverso la letteratura. In particolare, l’esempio di ‘Love Medicine’ sottolinea fattori caratterizzanti come l’importanza della memoria e il desiderio di appartenenza ad una comunità solida, nella ricerca della propria identità. Il senso di legame unione sono aspetti ricorrenti ricercati dai membri delle famiglie all’interno della narrazione. Inoltre, questo lavoro esplora temi come la religione, la spiritualità e i ruoli femminili attraverso le vite dei personaggi.
Unquestioning belongingness: an analysis of 'Love Medicine', a novel by Louise Erdrich
SOLDA', CHIARA
2022/2023
Abstract
Native American Renaissance marked a fundamental step in Anglo-American studies, since it permitted the representation and spread of a culture that for decades had been undervalued and oppressed. The novel ‘Love medicine’ (1984), written by Chippewa-member Louise Erdrich, brings to an extended audience a structure based on the expression of the storyline by multiple voices. The story, that won great acclaim in its context, expresses key aspects of the North Dakota reservation and the people who still maintain their community alive. This thesis starts with a chronological history of Native American experience from the ‘discovery’ to the Native American Renaissance, passing through the tragic genocide, necessary to understand deeply the historical trauma of traditional populations. The harsh past brought to a desire of rebirth and reaffirmation of Indian culture through literature. In particular, the great example of ‘Love Medicine’ embodies characterizing elements such as the importance of memory and the desire of belongingness to a solid community in finding one’s identity. The sense of connection and union are recurring aspects researched by the members of the families in the narration. Moreover, this work explores the themes of religion, spirituality and the female roles through characters’ lives.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/60155