Introduction
With literature becoming a prerequisite course in the vast majority of colleges in the US now, a college survey course gains more and more popularity, providing a general overview of the most valuable pieces of writing. Regardless of the student’s prior background in literature, this class aims at re-imagining and re-inventing their knowledge on a variety of topics, serving as a transformative experience as scholars pursue their higher education. “Impressions of an Indian Childhood” is an adequate short story, connecting students’ current perception of Native Americans with ever-evolving literary traditions. Apart from personal observations, the text does not require any previous exposure to the theme, fitting effectively in the American literary canon of a college survey course of American writers.
Belongs to the Works of American Writers
Bonnin, also known by her penname Zitkala-Sa, falls into the category of American writers. Born and raised in South Dakota in the family of Native Americans, she experienced the struggles of cultural identity, trying to fit in the majority culture of white people (Bonnin 1794). With the college survey literature course looking at the transformative pieces of writing, it is critical to consider the author’s professional path. Her works appear credible not only because they are based on the autobiography, but also due to the vast involvement of Bonnin in the Native American culture in all its dimensions. A writer, editor, political and civil activist, the woman forever changed the overall understanding of Native Americans on the national level, lobbying for her people’s right for US citizenship and serving as the council’s president.
Based on an Autobiographical Story
Instead of relying on the students’ prior exposure to literary themes, Zitkala-Sa puts an emphasis on the relatability of the readers. In her collection of the stories, she recalls the hardships encountered by Native Americans in the missionary and manual labor schools (Bonnin 1798). Vivid details from her childhood manifested through the contrast of her early life in the Yankton Indian Reservation, studying at White’s Manual Labor Institute, and later at Earlham College resonate well with the target audience in the literary class. Through childhood stories, essays, and allegorical fiction, the author offers a unique view of the Native American society from an insider perspective.
Contributes to a Better Understanding of the American History
With little stories of Native Americans focused on the children’s perspective, Bonnin incorporates her real-life experiences in writing, contributing to a better understanding of American history. As a college survey course of literature attempts to discover the cause/effect relationships between texts, historical context, and writer’s interpretation, this collection of stories serves as a valuable studying element. Instead of focusing on the cliché topics of violence, political oppression, and civil inequality, Bonnin chooses another way: telling a story through the eyes of a child, an elementary school student, a daughter, and a sister. On a more global scale, readers can benefit academically, as they learn about Native American’s assimilation in educational institutions and discrimination among youngsters.
Alternative to the Traditional Emphasis on Detailed-Oriented Literary Analysis
Bonnin’s short story also fits well in the paradigm of the college survey course since it provides an alternative to the traditional detail-oriented approach to literature studies. Though containing many imageries, metaphors, and similes, the author’s stories are better understood through a global perspective. The true meaning of Zitkala-Sa’s texts lies in-between the lines rather than in the details of the plot. Such a specialty of her writing is specifically beneficial for the canons of the class, as its primary goal is not to engage students into literary analysis, but provoke fruitful discussions on the historical, social, and political problems.
Vital for Engagement in Discussions
As mentioned earlier, Bonnin’s “Impressions of an Indian Childhood” is essential for engaging students in vivid discussions. One of the pioneering American writers, Zitkala-Sa, provides a critical historical and literary context to initiate conversations on the multi-faceted life of Native Americans, their struggle for cultural identity, roles of missionaries, and assimilation since the very young age. The author’s experience of an outcast, who does not fit in the overall societal structure, may resonate with some students, as many individuals become subjects to the insensitivity and contempt of their peers. While the issues raised in Bonnin’s short story are not directly applicable to contemporary American society, their modern interpretations find a place in the life of the readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bonnin’s “Impressions of an Indian Childhood” belongs to the canon of a college survey course of American writers for a number of reasons. Written by a Native American writer, this piece of writing contributes to a better interpretation of American history. Based on the autobiographical story, it makes students relate and empathize with the main character, regardless of the prior exposure to the literary theme. The scope of the text provides an alternative to the traditional emphasis on the detail-oriented literary analysis, which is vital for an inclusive, active student discussion, leading to an engrossing transformative experience.
Work Cited
Bonnin, Gertrude Simmons. “Impressions of an Indian Childhood.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, 6th ed., edited by Nina Baym, W.W. Norton, 2002, pp. 1794-1801.