Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremon

(Dhafer Youssef Asraarh)

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Abstract

This paper studies Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony (1977) as a viable path of resistance and agency. It argues that resistance can be clearly seen in the character of Tayo, who opposes the evils of imperialism and racism by refusing to be deceived by their lies. To be able to confront these evils, Tayo first reconciles his anxiety about his own identity. Then, he begins to realize that it is this movement toward self-identification and agency which allows him to identify himself as a viable part of his environment and of the Laguna stories he comes to participate in. As a result of his resistance, Tayo becomes able to overcome his passivity and able to take action to improve his own life-style and his community as well.
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