Tricksterism In The Crown Of Columbus

Erdrich and her husband Dorris collaborate on writing the Crown of Columbus.The collaboration creates confusion and uncertainty that coincide with the ambiguous nature of tricksterism in the novel.In fact,the study of Trickster in the novel broadens the trickster tradition and provides an interesting angle to appreciate the characters and narratives of the work.More importantly,the concept of Trickster is worth analyzing in The Crown of Columbus when dealing with the survivance of the Native American.The concepts of trickster as characters are deeply rooted in the tribal traditions while at the same time decolonizing the self and the mind of Native Americans nowadays.Moreover,the trickster narrative is a kind of resistance writing to deconstruct any hegemonic discourse.Chapter One examines such trickster characters as Vivian,her son Nash as well as Columbus in the novel.In this chapter,the discussion of trickster characters will be displayed from three perspectives: the “traditional” trickster character,the mediating trickster as well as the semiotic trickster.Firstly,Nash's resemblance with the traditional trickster Nanabozho will be analyzed to reveal Native American's celebration of the Native traditional trickster in order to survive in cotemporary society.Secondly,it will be illustrated that Vivian is mediating between the traditional and contemporary trickster.By embracing both the tradition and reality,the Native American can cope with the flexible living in contemporary world and even acquire the sovereignty in literary world.Finally,Columbus as the semiotic trickster will be analyzed to defy the stereotype of heroic Columbus or victimized Native and to assimilate the white hero into the Native community.Chapter two analyzes the trickster narratives in the novel.The combination of linear plot and circular narrative will be explored to reveal the complexity of trickster narrative.The novel is also characterized by its uncertainty of center and margin,which is the typical characteristic of trickster.Finally,the discovery narrative in the novel highlights the paradox in the trickster narrative.Chapter three focuses on trickster aesthetic in both form and content.Blend of written text and oral tradition underscores the renewing trait of trickster.Then,the novel the Crown of Columbus is the trickster text due to its unfinished,intertextual and dialogic traits.At the end of this chapter,the relationship between tricksterism and survivance is discussed to illustrate the significance of tricksterism for the Native Americans.