COMPARATIVE ESSAY

When people work together, changes can be made. The literatures “Turtle Island” and “The Traditional History of Confederacy” took place in a different time period and yet both articles teach the importance of unity. These two literatures explore the theme of unity transforming into strength. While “The Turtle Island” addresses the theme through narrative structure, “The Traditional History of Confederacy relies on point of view.
Unity gives strength. The two writers used symbolism to specify their theme. In the “Turtle Island” the turtle symbolizes the land that is known as North America. “Use my back to bear the weight of this piece of Earth… we can make a new Earth”. (Turtle Island, 1) Each animal in the story believes in sacrifice and their willingness to survive. The animals collectively, have one purpose which is to begin a new life. One member cannot do great things alone. However, if there are several members in a group with the same mindset, it is easier to accomplish things. Similarly, the clans of arrows in “Traditional History of Confederacy”, represents unity and strength which is symbolically addressing the nations coming together with one strong goal. Obviously, nations will be stable and strong when they work together. Without a doubt, if one part of the body falls, it would affect the rest of the body’s functionality.

The Turtle Island addresses the theme through narrative structure: Firstly, the characters were introduced which is followed by a conflict between them and the nature and finally, describes how they overcame their adversities. , “Seeing that harmony, brotherhood, sisterhood, and respect in all living things no longer prevailed on earth”, says the writer indicating there was no peace and unity. To make a new beginning and get back what is lost, any community must not only work hard but also be together. Soon, there is a need for the animals to form a land to survive or completely be destroyed. For example, when each character volunteered to dive down to the depths of the waters, their ambition to create the earth in order for their survival can be realized. “I am going to swim to the bottom of this water and grab a handful of earth” said the Nanaboozhoo,(Turtle Island, pg.1) which encouraged the other animals to help and pursue to volunteer for the common good. The conflict converted the animals into a powerful unified group. In the resolution, unity is continually expressed among the animals until they began a new life and stand together with harmony and peace. Unity is emphasized throughout the plot of the story.
“The Traditional History of Confederacy” relies on the third person point of view. The writer emphasizes the importance of the leadership and unity by sharing the thoughts and ideas of Dekandahideh, who initiates the planting of a Great Tree with roots going in all directions to bring all the nations together as one nations. He continues to say “We, the Five Nations Confederacy, shall in the future only have on body, one head and one heart”.(Confederacy,pg 2) Actions taken to be a strong nation is emblematically shown by tying up the arrows in a bundle in such a way no one can bend or break it. Therefore, it is understood that unity without sacrifice does not bear fruits in the first storey “ Turtle Island” and Unity without Leadership is in danger in the second story “ The Traditional History of Confederacy”. Both literatures share the idea through symbolism while they differ in the way the writers choose to narrate them by structure and point of view accordingly.