Reviews for N. Scott Momaday's House Made of Dawn often praise its rich prose and deep exploration of Native American culture and identity. Readers appreciate its poetic style and vivid descriptions. However, some find its nonlinear narrative and complex symbolism challenging. Despite this, many regard it as a powerful and evocative literary achievement.

A reader who would enjoy House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday is likely interested in Native American culture, identity, and post-war struggles. Fans of Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine or Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony would find this novel compelling for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of indigenous themes.

House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday follows Abel, a young Indigenous American war veteran who, traumatized by his experiences in World War II, returns to his hometown in New Mexico. Struggling with alcohol addiction and his disconnection from his cultural roots, Abel's journey of self-discovery involves relationships, violent encounters, and eventual participation in a traditional ceremonial race that helps him reconnect with his heritage and find a sense of belonging. The novel contains sensitive topics including alcohol addiction and physical violence.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Nostalgic / Emotional

N. Scott Momaday

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore House Made of Dawn and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

House Made of Dawn Summary and Study Guide

Background

House Made of Dawn Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Longhair”

Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-3

House Made of Dawn Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-7

House Made of Dawn Part 1, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Priest of the Sun”

Part 2 House Made of Dawn Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Night Chanter”

Part 3 House Made of Dawn Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Dawn Runner”

Part 4 House Made of Dawn Part 4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

House Made of Dawn Character Analysis

theme

Themes

House Made of Dawn Themes

Symbols & Motifs

House Made of Dawn Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

House Made of Dawn Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

House Made of Dawn Essay Topics

Introduction

House Made of Dawn Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

House Made of Dawn Before Reading

During Reading

House Made of Dawn During Reading

After Reading

House Made of Dawn After Reading

House Made of Dawn

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read House Made of Dawn?

Reading Age

Book Details