I. Introduction to the Work

 

"The Way to Rainy Mountain" by N. Scott Momaday is a work that beautifully intertwines personal narrative, Kiowa history, and Native American oral traditions. It serves as a memoir of sorts, but also as a rich exploration of the Kiowa people's heritage, identity, and their relationship with the land.

 

II. Narrative Structure

 

Multilayered Narrative

 

- Momaday uses a complex narrative structure that weaves together three different strands: his personal experiences, historical accounts of the Kiowa people, and Kiowa oral traditions. For example, he begins with his own journey to Rainy Mountain, where he takes his grandmother's ashes. This personal story then serves as a framework for delving into the Kiowa's past.

 

- The historical sections provide a chronological account of the Kiowa's migration from the Montana region to the southern plains, their interactions with other tribes, and their encounters with the white settlers and the U.S. government. These historical details add a sense of authenticity and context to the narrative.

 

- The oral traditions, such as the creation myths and stories of the Kiowa heroes, add a spiritual and cultural dimension. They are often presented in a more mythical and symbolic language, contrasting with the more straightforward historical and personal narratives.

 

Cyclical Structure

 

- The book has a cyclical structure, beginning and ending with the author's visit to Rainy Mountain. This circularity emphasizes the idea of the connection between the past and the present, and the ongoing nature of the Kiowa heritage. Momaday's return to Rainy Mountain is both a physical journey and a spiritual one, as he reconnects with his roots and the history of his people.