Search

In their attempts to lead a dual-life experience, characters in popular literature written by and/or about Native American Indians occasionally enroll in institutions of higher education; like many of their real-life counterparts very few of these student characters find the experience to be a positive undertaking. This narrative pattern reflects a "tragic reality" in American higher education today. The paper deals with four novels which target specific problems encountered by Native American students in college, i.e.: "Wolfsong" (Louis Owen); "Turtle Belly" (Joel Monture); "First Eagle" (Tony Hillerman); and "Agoak" (Yves Theriault). Parallels can be drawn between reality and the negative image of higher education in American Indian popular literature, since the primary reasons for higher education's failure with Native Americans are outlined in the novels discussed: social maladjustment, disinterested faculty, irrelevant curriculum, lack of a support network, alienation from personal heritage, racism, etc. The paper suggests some ways to ameliorate the situation, such as establishing residence halls where a support community can be formed, hiring Native American counselors to facilitate positive peer communication, and organizing tutoring programs. Contains 6 references. (NKA)