Identity Crisis in the Novels of N. Scott Momady

Abstract: This paper examines the theme of identity crisis in N. Scott Momaday's novels, "House Made of Dawn" and "The Way to Rainy Mountain," highlighting how his works reflect the complex interplay between personal and cultural identity among Native American communities. Through a detailed analysis of Abel's struggles in "House Made of Dawn" and the interplay of myth and history in "The Way to Rainy Mountain," this study explores how Momaday's characters confront the fragmentation and erosion of identity caused by cultural displacement, colonialism, and modernity. By employing non-linear narratives and symbolic imagery, Momaday provides a nuanced portrayal of identity crisis that underscores the tension between traditional values and contemporary realities. This paper also considers the broader implications of Momaday’s exploration of identity for understanding indigenous experiences and cultural survival in the modern world.