Question

Compare the stories The Way to Rainy Mountain and “How the World Was Made.” How do you think the purpose and themes of American Indian stories have changed over the centuries? Why do you think changes have taken place? Cite evidence from both texts to support your analysis. Your response should be approximately one page in length. To improve the quality of your writing, engage in outlining, proofreading, editing, and revising stages.

Answer 1

The main difference that we can identify between these two stories is their purpose. The story "How the World Was Made” takes the form of a creation myth. It attempts to describe natural phenomena and explain it through the knowledge of the world that the Native people possess. On the other hand, "The Way to Rainy Mountain" is not a story that explains the world to the Native people, but one that discusses the culture, traditions and way of life of the Native American cultures.

This difference highlights the way that themes have changed throughout the centuries. While the stories were a necessary and basic part of daily life in past centuries, the stories nowadays mostly serve to preserve and value these disappearing cultures. These changes have most likely taken place due to the fact that these cultures have diminished and are struggling to remain alive.

Answer 2

You may have approached the question in these ways:

   explained how stories have been passed through generations

   incorporated stories and myths based on historical and archeological information

   mentioned the importance of these stories and traditions

   included examples from the texts that support your ideas

   mentioned the tone of Momaday’s writing and how it influences the reader’s perspective on the Kiowa culture