Journal #1 "How the World Was Made"

"How the World Was Made" exemplifies greatly Native American Literature. The story focuses greatly on creation myths as well as some origin myths. Creation Myths along with origin myths held a very key part in Native American Literature. "How the World Was Made" is mainly a creation myth because, it explains such things as how land came to be, why the sun is so high, and how humans began to multiply. The story tells of how Earth's land came to be whenever the Water-beetle went down into the ocean and came back up with soft mud that eventually spread out and became the land we know. It also tells why the sun is so high because, if it would have been any closer the Earth would be too hot. This myth of the sun also includes a myth about why red crawfish have red shells. The Red Crawfish let his shell get burnt so his meat would sour and people would not eat him. This story also includes a creation myth about why humans take a year to give birth. Humans initially gave birth to a child after seven days but, the world was getting too crowded too fast. It was then made so that women would give birth after a year to slow down the rapid population growth. This story also shows hospitality and manners. The Water-beetle and also the Great Buzzard sacrificed their lives for the greater good of the animals and people. They both contributed greatly to the land because, the Water-beetle created land while the Great Buzzard gave the world mountains. Both of these animals had much courage and were very brave to sacrifice their lives for the other animals. Myths were a very important part of Native American Literature and this examplifies great examples of Cheroke Myths as well hospatiality and manners.

The Old Man and the Sea Symbolism

The novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway shows much symbolism towards many aspects of life. Many of the symbols Hemingway used illude and stand for Jesus Christ. Santiago’s fishing helper, Manolin, represents one of Christ’s disciples. Manolin followed and wanted to be with Santiago even when people told him to stay away from Santiago and that he was bad luck. People didn’t believe Santiago was a good fisherman but even when people were saying this and trying to keep Manolin from being with Santiago, Manolin still stood by his friend and believed in him. Another reference made to Christ was whenever Santiago brought in the mast from his boat after his long and tiresome journey. Santiago was physically and mentally exhausted when he had to bring the mast from his boat to his shack, and that showed when he stumbled three times. This is a reference to Christ when he was weak and had to carry the very heavy cross, he was to be crucified on, to where he was to be crucified. Christ stumbled on his way just like Santiago stumbled with the heavy mast on his shoulders. Hemingway also used animals as symbols in his novels. The great novel Santiago caught symbolizes that even when you think you aren’t able to do something and no one believes in you, you should always have faith in yourself because, anything could happen at anytime. Everyone, including Santiago himself thought he was bad luck, but it turned out that he caught the greatest fish he or anyone has ever seen. The lions in Santiago’s dreams symbolized his youthfulness and also hope. He saw them whenever he was just a little boy that’s why they symbolize youthfulness. They represent hope because whenever Santiago thinks he can not real in the marlin anymore and he is starting to lose hope, he thinks of the lions and it gives him hope again. These are some of the main symbols that Hemingway uses to give readers messages about life, in an indirect way.