Not simple storytelling by Eileen

Not simple storytelling by Eileen - October 2021 Scholarship Essay

"...I am not certain whether my earliest memories are truly mine, because when I bring them to mind, I feel my mother’s breath on every word." Storytelling is such an important part of so many people's families, cultures, and religion. Prior to reading Anitia Diamant's novel, The Red Tent, it was something that I never considered important or even worthy of studying. This book changed my entire perspective on how to look at storytelling and its relevance in all aspects of English Language Arts and History. The book is narrated by Dinah, daughter of Jacob from the Bible. And while the Bible only has a very small mention of this young woman, the author takes the mention and explodes her story. Rich, female characters evolve and lift up the younger girls through song and storytelling. Through their stories, the girls learn about science, the arts and midwifery. Most importantly, they learn of their strength as women. Not by challenging men in their roles or fighting for power, but by celebrating childbirth and all the feminine strength it takes to make it happen.

Through the older women's stories the girls learn how to care for themselves and their families. They learn of medicines and herbs to keeps individuals healthy. The girls learn about relationships and how to forge strong bonds with one another. An most importantly, how to lean on each other in times of struggle or hardship. It is the community built under the red tent that keeps a community thriving.

After reading Diamant's novel, I began to look at the stories that my own family told me differently. My Mom's silly songs about caring and sharing that I can still recite, even though I haven't actually heard them in a decade. The story my Dad would tell about the time he had to change a tire and which way the lug nuts should turn. My grandmother sitting with me and braiding my hair while talking about how they would fix their own hair in the 'olden days'. So many stories,that I no longer take at face value. They are being told to teach me lessons. It's important that we not only hear these stories, but truly listen to the subtle messages that are buried beneath the words. That is our family and our culture It is these messages that are woven into the fabric of our being.