Self-Identity in Louise Erdrich’s ‘The Antelope Wife: A Novel’ – A Critical Study

Abstract

Among the different cultures and traditional practices that are followed in and around the world, the Native Americans are following distinct cultural practices among their clans. Among the Native American tribes, the ‘Ojibwe’ group is a special clan. This particular clan has fought and acquired freedom from the European settlers. ‘Ojibwe’ ancestors have notable characteristics that are followed by generation after generation. This study analyses the struggle in emphasizing the identity of the ‘Ojibwe’ tribal people in the novel ‘The Antelope Wife’ .Through an innovative story- telling  method, the novelist tries to create an identity for them and reclaim their cultural identity. The novelist has used literature as a tool for studying about the indigenous past, family ties, tradition and culture in the novel. Moreover, the novelist strongly stresses upon the importance of family in one’s life. According to ‘Ojibwe’ people, an individual’s life is constructed or marred if he is stranded from his family. This study focuses on how myth, imagination, ancestral values and heritage are intertwined in establishing ‘Ojibwe’ culture.