Momaday, Scott. “The Becoming of the Native Man: Man in America Before Columbus” 1993.

Conversations in American Literature​. Eds. Robin Pissin Aufses, et al. Bedford/St.

Martins, 2015, pp 199-203. Accessed 18th August 2018.

S-Scott Momaday grew up on an Indian reservation, giving him a unique perspective on

the topic of Columbus. His upbringing gives him a more negative view of Columbus and a better
understanding of the Native Americans. Momaday also recognizes Eurocentrism very easily and
is unafraid to call it out.
O-Momaday’s essay was written in the modern era. Momaday most likely wrote this
piece on a reservation, and surrounded by Native American influences, giving him even more
passion for the Columbus-era Native Americans.
A-Momaday is a well acclaimed author, and has a wide audience. This piece was meant
for the general audience, in order to educate them on the Native’s view.
P-Momaday wrote this essay to tell people about America before Columbus. The author
wants the audience to understand the Indians were not savages, but had their own unique
culture. We can tell this by the fact he discusses Eurocentrism and counters it with descriptions
of native cultures. He speaks very highly of the Native American culture saying “From ancient
rock paintings to contemporary theater, through such forms as beadwork, featherwork,
leathercraft, wood carving, ceramics, ledger-book drawing, music, and dance, American Indian
art has rivaled other great art of the world.”, it is clear he admired his ancestors and their culture
(Momaday 203).
S-The subjects are culture in pre-Columbus America and countering Eurocentric views.
Momaday uses the subject of culture to debunk Eurocentric views about pre-Columbian culture.
T-Momaday’s tone is professional but passionate. He is determined to help the audience
understand the Native culture, claiming “The naked people Columbus saw in 1492 were
members of a society altogether worthy and well made, a people of the everlasting earth,
possessed of honor and dignity and a generosity of spirit unsurpassed (Momaday 203).” He
very passionately wants the audience to understand how impressive the Native American
culture was.