The effect of simple use of language may be a clear one but would hardly be described as a rich story.(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. Take for example the symbols of time and size. In English literature there may be a statement "There were a million people at the game." This does not necessarily mean that one million people were physically at the game rather it is an example of hyperbole, in this case the use of a large number to represent a large number of people, but not a specific number. This symbolic understanding of the texts makes the difference between a literal creation and a metaphor within the creation story. The position the reader takes is in essence the difference between different sects within a common religion. (Abdul-Raof 41)
             The Iroquois creation myth begins with the symbol of the sky. The world is seen through a series of levels in the sky with each world floating in certain states of limbo above and below one another. The Earth (oeh-da) begins as part of the sea floor in this dark world that cries to the God above for help and light. (Murtageh 12) There is an obvious play on the ideas of a supreme being above. The sky is in essence a heaven, as the East and West would look to a God who is looking down to us and offering help from above. Here we have our first introduction to the idea of light in the Iroquois creation myth. The light plays an important part in the symbolism of the tribe. The Iroquois kept a permanent flame burning to bring light to the discussion, and warmth to all the people of the nation. The symbol of light worked in the everyday lives of the tribe in the metaphorical meaning of "to see the light" or to be enlightened. (Iroquois Official Symbolism) To reach the light is a goal of the Iroquois people so we see this symbol of light at work again by the ...