House Made of Dawn: A Copywriter's Perspective on Storytelling and Memory
Monday, October 9, 2023, was Indigenous Peoples Day. In an effort to amplify Indigenous voices and learn from Indigenous creators, I decided to read the Pulitzer prize-winning novel House Made of Dawn by Kiowa Nation member N. Scott Momaday. Reading it got me thinking about the power of stories and how they can shape perceptions, evoke emotions, and drive actions.
House Made of Dawn offers a masterclass in storytelling that every copywriter can learn from. The novel, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, follows Abel, a young Native American man, as he grapples with his identity, the weight of memory, and the challenges of modern life.
At its core, House Made of Dawn is a tale of homecoming and rediscovery. After serving in the war, Abel returns to his hometown of Walatowa, New Mexico, with memories of his family, his cultural heritage, and his place in the world. As copywriters, we understand the importance of tapping into shared memories and experiences to craft compelling narratives. Abel's journey, filled with love, loss, and introspection, mirrors the universal quest for belonging and understanding.
The novel also delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships. Abel's interactions with Angela, a young white woman, and Father Olguin, the town's Priest, highlight the complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations. These relationships, fraught with tension and passion, serve as a reminder of the power of emotions in storytelling. As copywriters, evoking genuine emotions in our audience is critical to creating impactful content.
The shift in setting from rural New Mexico to urban Los Angeles provides a stark contrast and underscores the challenges Indigenous communities face in a rapidly changing world. Abel's struggles in the city, from his tumultuous relationship with Milly to his interactions with the enigmatic Priest of the Sun, John Big Bluff Tosamah, showcase the dissonance between tradition and modernity. We often grapple with this duality in copywriting, especially when trying to bridge traditional values with contemporary messaging.
Finally, the novel's non-linear narrative, which unfolds in fragments and memories, is a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling. As the story weaves between past and present, readers are compelled to piece together Abel's journey, much like how we, as copywriters, craft narratives that engage and intrigue our audience.
House Made of Dawn is not just a poignant tale of a young man's search for identity and meaning; it's a lesson in the art of storytelling. For copywriters, the novel serves as a reminder of the depth, emotion, and nuance that should infuse our work. Whether we're crafting a brand story or penning a product description, there's magic in weaving narratives that resonate, captivate, and inspire.
