Multiple Choice (Single)

The surge of contemporary American Indian literature over the past two decades, often referred to as the Native American Renaissance, has provided many with their first exposure to Native American poetry. Traditionally, appreciation for oral American Indian literature has been limited, often due to poor translations and the challenge of capturing the original's verse structure, tone, and syntax in a culturally sensitive and aesthetically satisfying way. By writing in English and exploring European literary forms, contemporary American Indian authors have expanded their audience while preserving key elements of their ancestral oral traditions. For instance, Pulitzer Prize-winning author N. Scott Momaday's poetry often explores themes of art and mortality in a manner reminiscent of British romantic poetry, while his reflections on the power of nature echo Cherokee oral literature. Similarly, his novels, rooted in European literary tradition, showcase an eloquence that resonates with the oratorical splendor of great nineteenth-century American Indian leaders.