Zitkala-Sa's writing does not, indeed, legitimate these institutions. Zitkala-Sa's work violates traditional notions of autobiography on two levels: it does not put forth a model of triumph and integration, nor does it emphasize the importance of language in the overall process of self-authentication.(1) Therefore it is only when we approach Zitkala-Sa's writing in terms of how it subverts traditional modes of autobiographical and linguistic self-authentication that we can come to see its full richness and complexity, and understand the unique problem of a "canonical" search for language and identity in Native American writing.
Annie Penrod on 09 Apr 12How is she different? Do most Native Americans follow this violation or do they write more traditionally?
