LEE SMITH'S ORAL HISTORY. THE INVISIBLE MINORITY OF THE MOUNTAINS:THE CASE OF APPALACHIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore and discover the Appalachian people, their history, minority culture, rich language and oral histories with a focused analysis of the novel Oral History by Lee Smith. The Cantrell family represents the typical family and life of the little known and mostly misunderstood minority culture upon which my research will explore and share with the reader. By using a narrative strategy approach, multi-layering voice and text analysis, along with my interview with the author Lee Smith, this paper attempts to demonstrate that the Appalachian people are a unique and valuable ethnic, cultural, and linguistic group. My paper will also suggest the reason why it is important to learn about these people and culture of Appalachia as a treasure to celebrate and preserve for all.