English 153 (S2019): Comparative Analysis of House of Dawn

This essay provides a comparative analysis of N. Scott Momaday's novel "House Made of Dawn" in relation to T.S. Eliot's poem "Little Gidding." The essay explores how the structure of the novel, which is divided into four parts mirroring phases of the protagonist Abel's life, reflects Eliot's themes of exploration and return. It examines Abel's experiences as a Native American, his return from World War II, his alienation, and his journey back to his roots, highlighting the cyclical nature of his experiences and the search for belonging. The analysis delves into Abel's interactions with various characters, his struggles with identity, and his eventual return to his ancestral land, illustrating how the novel's narrative arc aligns with Eliot's concept of arriving where one started and knowing the place for the first time. The essay also references various scholarly sources to support the interpretations of the novel's themes and structure.