Communitism in Louise Erdrich’s The Antelope Wife

Abstract

The present thesis entitled “Communitism in Louise Erdrich’s The Antelope Wife” invites readers to understand Native American Ojibwa cultural tradition. Erdrichtraces the cultural legacy that is passed from generation to generation. Oraltraditions, sacred metaphysics, naming tradition, use of characters of trickster are some of the characteristic features of Ojibwa heritage. Non- anthropocentric and ecologically oriented world view that focuses on community and nature continues for the Indian as a source of personal and collective energy, identity and values. The novel written from multicultural perspective helps to appreciate significant differences between Native American and Euro-American cultural traditions.The cooperative multicultural unity that Erdrich depicts leads to an enactment of respectful interdependence across cultural boundaries. Erdrich applies the bead imagery to express the idea of multicultural society and its inherent overlapping spaces and intermingling colours. The new pattern of modern society does not displace Ojibwa heritage and the past. Erdrich dramatizes a vast web of interdependence brought about by the intersection of many cultures, pasts and heritages.Native emphasizes on the importance of living in harmony with the physical and spiritual universe, a deep reverence for the land and a strong sense of community.