Ceremony
“You don’t have anything if you don’t have the stories.” ― Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony
Ceremony is unlike most books you will encounter, and probably unlike most books you have read, yet its power and beauty will leave you inspired. Sherman Alexie writes, “Ceremony is the greatest novel in Native American literature. It is one of the greatest novels of any time and place. I have read this book so many times that I probably have it memorized. I teach it and I learn from it and I am continually in awe of its power, beauty, rage, vision, and violence.”
In order to follow the text, there are a few background points that you must understand.
• Silko’s narrative style differs from mainstream literature and derives from h
er own culture – the Laguna Pueblo. Duality and identity issues that stems from
her own mixed ethnicity – Pueblo, Mexican, White.
• Silko’s cultural/religious views are often difficult to understand from the traditional Western worldview. Avoid placing this novel inside that box.
| Mainstream Literature | Indigenous Literature |
| linear | cyclical |
| monologic or dialogic | conversational |
| hierarchical | egalitarian |
| secular | metaphysical |
| critique of culture | critique of colonialism |
| individual | communitarian |
Some points to recognize:
• American Indian histories, like most minority histories have been greatly underrepresented. Additionally, their history often suffers from historical omission and revisionist history, which results in a flawed sense of history.
• Indigenous tribes possess complicated feelings about this country.
• Given the many indigenous nations and tribes, it’s inaccurate and potentially disrespectful to refer to “Native American Culture” as a single entity – each has a rich and unique culture.
What You Need to Understand About Laguna Culture
• Oral tradition: oral culture transmits sacred stories (similar to the levity of the Bible or Koran from other traditions)
• Importance of tradition/continuity: passing down old ways
• Matriarchal culture: women serve as the leaders of the extended family unit; the most powerful deities are in female form
• Land is sacred: The land is a part of the people; it is to be treated with the utmost respect
• Cardinal directions hold meaning: North = logic/intellect; South = emotion/connection; East = beginnings (think sunrise); West = closure (think sunset)
• Supernatural/godlike visitors: can appear in human or animal form; they can transform or come and go at will
• Rituals: used for healing – medicine men/women
• Honorable hunters and warriors
• Time isn’t linear: The present is the only “real” time. Things can repeat, or come back, or occur out of sequence. (American Indian literature often creates a narrative that weaves in and out of past and present – this style of narrative is beautiful, yet often causes discomfort in those unfamiliar with the style. Remember: Some level of discomfort is healthy; it allows you to expand your thinking beyond your comfort zone and learn!
Reading Tips:
• Traditional oral stories are woven into the narrative. They are not rand
om – try to figure out how they relate to the narrative
• Events will not necessarily occur in chronological order. Silko makes use of memories, flashbacks, and stories within the story. … But it will all come together and make beautiful sense.
• Think of this type of novel as being immersed in an experience rather than hearing an account of something that happened. Try to see through Tayo’s eyes.
Resources:
Cox, James and Daniel Heath Justice. The Oxford Handbook of Indigenous American Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Print.
Ms. C. “Teaching Silko’s Ceremony: A Balance of Cultural Responsibility and Literary Wonder.” Universe as Text: Navigating our Textual Universe Through Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Teaching 4 July 2012. Web. 16 May 2016.
10th Gifted World 