Coyote Finishes His Work Summary

The Colonial period in American literature was very influential in terms of the art that was expressed during this time. During the tumultuous ups and downs that define this period in history, the literature that was produced allows for different perspectives to be portrayed and interpreted. As opposed to only specific insight from a particular side, there are many different types of literature that allow for a better understanding of the colonial period because it delves into the different groups of people that defined this specific historical time. Therefore, the colonial period was influenced by many different aspects of literature, including: Native American poetry; Puritan and Rationalist writings; and other types of composition from famous authors like Benjamin Franklin and Anne Bradstreet.
In “Coyote Finishes His Work,” the myth focuses around the beginning of Indian culture; however, the ending is what provides the most insightful detail about the Native American perspective during this time. In the story, Old Man refers to the human behavior that is harming the earth. Not only does the Old Man direct attention to the negative effects that human behavior has on the environment, but also the relationships that the humans have amongst themselves. The strangers in the myth are referred to as the “Other Side Camp” which shows the division between colonists and Native Americans. The myths and poetry within the Native American reflect the genuine beliefs in personal detail as opposed to the stereotypes that have accumulated throughout history about this specific group of people. Their spiritual devotion to nature and the condition of the Earth was also evident in their literature, including works like “The Sky