Transforming the literary recovery of Zitkala-sa : a feminist perspective on the autobiographical essays

Abstract

This thesis examines the ways in which Zitkala-Sa's autobiographical essays are a clear example of subversive writing that encompasses both her literary mastery of her native culture, Yankton Sioux of South Dakota, and U.S. dominant culture. This project discusses how a dual perspective of feminist and Native American criticism strengthens a literary analysis of the autobiographical essays to better understand one Native American woman writer's cultural location and goals. In the autobiographical essays, Zitkala-Sa calls into question patriarchal colonial philosophy toward the removal and education of Native Americans, especially children, saying, "but few there are who have paused to question whether real life or long-lasting death lies beneath this semblance of civilization" (Zitkala-Sa, "Indian" 386). This brave critique of U.S. patriarchal practices of missionary education and colonization challenges a U.S. history hostile to recognizing empowered Native American women who value the preservation of their culture. This challenge to colonial patriarchal practices establishes Zitkala-Sa!'s work as subversive because it refuses and transforms the conditions of Native American and improves their standard of living. Consequently, this thesis re-envisions the way in which feminists, Women Studies scholars, and the general public can utilize Zitkala-Sa's work as a model of activism, subversive writing and gynocratic living.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2002

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Logan, Lisa M.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

English

Degree Program

English

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences;Indians of North America;Yankton Indians -- Biography;Zitkala Sa -- 1876-1938

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021739

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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