Date of Award

11-1-1980

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Bruce P. Baker

Abstract

N. Scott Momadays novel, House Made Of Dawn, is built around the framework of the curative aspects of the Navajo ceremonial, the Night Chant. Understanding of the theme of the novel is broadened by reading it in terms of the Night Chant ritual: both concern a recurring symbolic removal of evil and a subsequent acquisition of grace. Similarly, character development, plot, and structure of the novel parallel aspects of the ceremonial. Abel's alienation episodes reflect those of the ceremonial Visionary; the stages composing Abel's search for identity are similar to the mythic episodes of the ceremonial Visionary; the stages composing Abel's search for identity are similar to the mythic episodes of the ceremonial Visionary in his search for independence and self-awareness; and, finally, the four major divisions of House Made of Dawn parallel the first four days activities of the Night Chant.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of English and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright 1980 Robert D. Illingworth

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