Valorization of Native American Culture in Erdrich's The Antelope Wife

Abstract

The present research deals with the various cultural aspects of Native Americans in Louis Erdrich'sThe Antelope Wife. This research focuses upon the complexity and plurality of Native American culture caused by different culture, language, customs, rituals and religion. Valorization of Native American culture can be assessed through their lifestyle, clothing, behavior, attitudes, values which is manifested by the protagonist Scranton Roy and other Native American characters of the novel. With multiple narration and various events, Erdrich establishes the novel as a souvenir to the Native American culture. To show how relative marginalization of Native American culture by mainstream western culture is challenged in the novel by foregrounding Native American culture is the major focus of the research. Theoretical insights of Native American thinkers like, Gerard Vizenor, George Elias, Anna Secco and others are mobilized to justify the claim of the research.