Theories of literature demand the reader separate the author from the story. Millions of students engrain the mantra of “the author is not a character in the novel” into their memory or risk failing the most basic of English courses. While the author may not directly play a role in the novel, he does create a picture of a certain time and culture Therefore literature represents culture, especially in folklore and religious stories. This is true in the case of the creation myth; what a person believes about his creation provides insight to his cultural and personal beliefs. Comparing and contrasting the creation stories of the worlds’ three main religions with the creation myth of the Iroquois nation illustrates this link between culture and creation of a society. Within the stories of creation the reader gains insight to the use of symbolism in everyday life, the role of gender within society, religion as well as human relations with the earth itself.
The similarities in the creation stories of several cultures can be attributed to the fact that the Judeo-Christian and Islamic versions of the creation are one in the same. The Qur’an does not retell the creation story; rather it makes comments and corrections on the previous Jude
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The light plays an important part in the symbolism of the tribe. Others assume that he has predestines all that will happen and there is no use hoping for anything other than your destiny. Man’s job is that of hunter and warrior; man provides defense and food. Eve then shows herself as the ultimate seductress when she uses her feminine wiles to convince Adam to join her in sin. Therefore the light begets itself and gives itself only to one who follows the ways of the light, or the natural, good paths in the world. (Abdul-Raof 2) Therefore it is important for the reader to understand the symbolism of the culture in order to take the analysis of a work to a deeper level. The messenger here is a woman, not a man as in the Easter and Western traditions. and God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.
Readers of literature may assume the works of other cultures are a word for word account of what is meant. When her sons are born she dies but she continues to give to the people of the Earth. Many people believe that God knows what will happen but does not interfere and allows humans to make their own choices. This idea of a woman giving birth to sons who attempt to kill one another is found in Eve’s children. This very idea of God understanding what will happen and allowing humanity to choose separated many sects or philosophers of religion. This respect of women is seen further in the Iroquois culture. Cain and Abel are the children of Adam and Eve after they are kicked out of Eden and Cain kills his brother Abel the two men make up the descendants of the Earth.
Approximate Word count =
2925
Approximate Pages =
12 (250 words per page double spaced)
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