🎻Appalachian Studies Unit 6 – Appalachian Stories: Literature & Folklore

Key Themes in Appalachian Literature

• Sense of place and connection to the land deeply ingrained in Appalachian literature (Cormac McCarthy's Suttree)
• Explores the complexities of family dynamics and generational struggles (Lee Smith's Oral History)
• Highlights the resilience and strength of Appalachian communities in the face of adversity (Denise Giardina's Storming Heaven)
  • Portrays the challenges of poverty, labor struggles, and environmental exploitation
  • Celebrates the perseverance and adaptability of Appalachian people
• Grapples with issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage (Ron Rash's Serena)
• Examines the impact of industrialization and modernization on traditional Appalachian ways of life (John Ehle's The Land Breakers)
• Addresses themes of isolation, both geographical and emotional, in Appalachian settings (Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain)
• Confronts stereotypes and misconceptions about Appalachian culture and people (Silas House's Clay's Quilt)

Historical Context of Appalachian Storytelling

• Appalachian storytelling has deep roots in the region's history and cultural heritage
  • Influenced by the diverse backgrounds of early settlers, including English, Scottish, Irish, and German immigrants
  • Shaped by the experiences of Native American tribes indigenous to the region
• Oral traditions played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting stories, legends, and folktales across generations
• Storytelling served as a means of entertainment, education, and community bonding in isolated mountain communities
• Historical events, such as the Civil War and the industrialization of the region, have had a significant impact on Appalachian literature
  • Many stories explore the consequences of these events on individuals and communities
• The Great Depression and the New Deal era inspired a renewed interest in documenting and preserving Appalachian culture
  • Federal Writers' Project collected and recorded Appalachian folktales and oral histories
• Appalachian storytelling has evolved over time, reflecting the changing social, economic, and political landscape of the region

Notable Appalachian Authors and Works

• James Still, known for his novel River of Earth, which depicts the hardships of Appalachian life during the Great Depression
• Harriette Simpson Arnow, author of The Dollmaker, a novel exploring the challenges faced by an Appalachian family during World War II
• Wilma Dykeman, whose works, such as The Tall Woman and The Far Family, focus on the experiences of women in Appalachian society
• Gurney Norman, author of Divine Right's Trip, a novel that captures the counterculture movement of the 1960s in Appalachia
• Breece D'J Pancake, known for his short story collection The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake, which offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of Appalachian life
• Barbara Kingsolver, whose novels, such as Prodigal Summer and Flight Behavior, explore themes of nature, family, and social justice in Appalachian settings
• Ann Pancake, author of Strange As This Weather Has Been, a novel that addresses the environmental and human costs of mountaintop removal mining

Folklore and Oral Traditions

• Appalachian folklore encompasses a wide range of stories, legends, and superstitions passed down through generations
  • Includes tales of supernatural beings, such as the Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster
  • Features stories of legendary figures, like John Henry and Johnny Appleseed
• Oral traditions have played a vital role in preserving Appalachian culture and history
  • Storytelling served as a means of entertainment and education in communities with limited access to formal schooling
  • Allowed for the transmission of cultural values, beliefs, and customs across generations
• Folktales often incorporate elements of the natural world, reflecting the deep connection between Appalachian people and their environment (Jack tales)
• Ballads and folk songs are an integral part of Appalachian oral traditions
  • Serve as a means of storytelling and cultural expression
  • Often address themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life
• Appalachian folklore and oral traditions have influenced the works of many regional authors, who draw upon these rich sources of inspiration in their writing

Storytelling Techniques and Styles

• Appalachian literature often employs a strong sense of voice and regional dialect
  • Authors capture the unique speech patterns and colloquialisms of Appalachian communities
  • Use of dialect helps to create a sense of authenticity and immersion in the story
• Nonlinear narrative structures are common in Appalachian storytelling
  • Stories may jump back and forth in time or switch between multiple perspectives
  • Reflects the oral tradition of storytelling, where stories are often told in a fragmented or episodic manner
• Use of folklore and mythological elements is prevalent in Appalachian literature
  • Authors often incorporate folktales, superstitions, and legends into their works
  • Helps to create a sense of magic and mystery in the narrative
• Imagery and symbolism are used to evoke the natural beauty and harshness of the Appalachian landscape
  • Descriptions of mountains, forests, and rivers serve as a backdrop to the stories and a reflection of the characters' inner lives
• Appalachian authors often employ a style of writing that is both lyrical and gritty
  • Language can be poetic and evocative, capturing the beauty and resilience of the region
  • At the same time, stories do not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of Appalachian life

Cultural Significance and Representation

• Appalachian literature plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage
  • Stories capture the unique experiences, traditions, and values of Appalachian communities
  • Help to counter stereotypes and misconceptions about the region and its people
• Representation of marginalized voices is an important aspect of Appalachian literature
  • Stories often focus on the experiences of working-class individuals, women, and people of color
  • Gives voice to those whose stories have been historically underrepresented or misrepresented
• Appalachian literature serves as a means of cultural resistance and empowerment
  • Stories challenge dominant narratives and assert the agency and resilience of Appalachian people
  • Encourages pride in Appalachian identity and heritage
• Themes of social justice and environmental conservation are prevalent in contemporary Appalachian literature
  • Authors address issues such as poverty, labor struggles, and the impact of extractive industries on the region
  • Calls attention to the need for sustainable development and the protection of Appalachian communities and ecosystems
• Appalachian literature contributes to a broader understanding of American culture and history
  • Offers a unique perspective on the American experience, one that is often overlooked or misunderstood
  • Helps to create a more inclusive and diverse picture of American literature and identity

Contemporary Appalachian Literature

• Contemporary Appalachian authors continue to build upon the rich literary tradition of the region while also exploring new themes and styles
• Increased focus on issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage in a globalized world (Crystal Wilkinson's The Birds of Opulence)
• Exploration of the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality in Appalachian society (Mesha Maren's Sugar Run)
• Attention to the ongoing impact of environmental degradation and climate change on Appalachian communities (Robert Gipe's Trampoline)
• Incorporation of diverse genres and forms, such as magical realism, speculative fiction, and graphic novels (David Groff's Clay's Way)
• Emergence of new voices and perspectives, including those of Appalachian writers from diverse backgrounds and experiences (Neema Avashia's Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place)
• Continued emphasis on the importance of place, community, and storytelling in Appalachian literature
• Growing recognition of Appalachian literature's contributions to the broader literary landscape, both nationally and internationally

Connections to Broader Literary Movements

• Appalachian literature has been influenced by and has contributed to various literary movements throughout history
• Realism and naturalism: Appalachian authors have often employed a realistic and unvarnished portrayal of life in the region, focusing on the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people
  • Shares similarities with the works of authors such as Theodore Dreiser and John Steinbeck
• Modernism: Some Appalachian writers have experimented with modernist techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented storytelling (James Still's River of Earth)
• Southern Gothic: Appalachian literature shares some common themes and motifs with the Southern Gothic tradition, such as a sense of isolation, decay, and the supernatural (Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood)
• Regionalism: Appalachian literature is deeply rooted in a sense of place and regional identity, contributing to the broader tradition of American regional writing
  • Shares similarities with the works of authors such as Sarah Orne Jewett and Willa Cather
• Environmental literature: Many contemporary Appalachian authors address themes of environmental conservation and the relationship between humans and nature (Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer)
• Postmodernism: Some Appalachian writers have incorporated postmodernist techniques, such as metafiction and intertextuality, into their works (Pinckney Benedict's Dogs of God)
• Appalachian literature's connections to these broader literary movements demonstrate its relevance and contributions to the larger canon of American and world literature