Caught between two worlds. Identity in Leslie Marmon Silko’s "Ceremony"

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2012 , 17 Pages , Grade: 3,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

In our life everybody asks himself: Who am I? The answers to that question generate everyone’s self-perception which will be always part of one’s identity. The latter is one of the major themes appealing in Leslie Marmon Silko’s "Ceremony" and this seminar paper will focus on the two characters Tayo and Rocky. They show the problems occurring for persons that are “caught between two worlds”. Tayo feels ashamed of himself because of his white ancestry. His cousin Rocky, on the other hand, is a full-blood Indian, but does everything to be a part of the “white world”. Both are somehow caught in the middle because of living in-between.

The first part of the paper will focus on demonstrating the development of these two major characters in Ceremony. It is an important section because “[in] essence, the individual’s actions and character define his identity” (Jenlink & Townes 2009: 127). Therefore, to analyze Tayo’s and Rocky’s identity or search for it, one has to examine their life career and relations with other persons because “[…] a person’s identity is [also] influenced by others recognition of that identity […]” (Jenlink & Townes 2009: 127).

This seminar paper will also focus on the similarities and distinctions between the two mentioned characters and the topic identity including the associated term hybridity, for example. The reasons for the accurate analysis of Tayo’s and Rocky’s characteristics by comparison are their different philosophy of life and searching for identity. Living in a reservation unfolds a unique way of life which differs from the lifestyle of the White’s. Therefore, it creates further hurdles for Tayo and Rocky, but “[this] search for identity […] is a social as well as an individual problem. The kind of answers one gives to the question Who am I? depends in part upon how one answers the question What is this society? - and this world - in which we live” (Lynn 1999: 14)? One has to be able to define his position in the world. This is why this topic also represents a problem of today’s people. There are still humans that are caught between two worlds because they are of mixed descend and were unsuccessful in the search for the sense of belonging. The reasons are sometimes the same like 50 years ago.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Introduction
• The progress of Tayo and Rocky in Ceremony
• Tayo - the culture hero
• Rocky - the symbol of a changing generation
• Characteristics of Tayo versus Rocky
• The similarities between Tayo and Rocky
• The distinctions between Tayo and Rocky
• Identity in Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony
• Tayo's search for Identity
• Hybridity in Ceremony
• Relational Identity in Ceremony
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This seminar paper examines the theme of identity in Leslie Marmon Silko's novel Ceremony, focusing on the characters Tayo and Rocky. It analyzes their individual journeys and how they navigate the complexities of being "caught between two worlds" as Native Americans living in a reservation. The paper explores their experiences with cultural assimilation, the impact of the war, and their search for belonging.

• Identity and Cultural Assimilation
• The Impact of War on Identity
• The Search for Belonging
• Hybridity and Mixed Heritage
• The Role of Ceremony in Healing and Identity Formation

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The paper begins by introducing the concept of identity and its significance in the novel. It then delves into the development of Tayo and Rocky, highlighting their contrasting experiences and perspectives. Tayo, a half-breed, struggles with his mixed heritage and the trauma of war, while Rocky, a full-blood Indian, seeks acceptance in the "white world." The paper explores their individual journeys, their relationships with others, and the factors that shape their identities. It also examines the concept of hybridity and its implications for understanding identity in a multicultural context.

The paper further explores Tayo's search for identity through his encounters with various characters and his participation in traditional ceremonies. It analyzes the role of Betonie, the Navajo shaman, in Tayo's healing process and the significance of the ceremony in restoring his connection to his heritage. The paper also examines the importance of the land and its connection to Tayo's identity.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include identity, cultural assimilation, hybridity, mixed heritage, Native American literature, Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony, Tayo, Rocky, war trauma, healing, and traditional ceremonies.

• College: University of Rostock (Institut für Anglistik/Amerikanistik)
• Course: Worldly and Imaginary Spaces in American Transcultural Literature
• Grade: 3,0
• Author: MA Daniel Schroeder (Author)
• Publication Year: 2012
• Pages: 17
• Catalog Number: V284378
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656844662
• ISBN (Book): 9783656844679
• Language: English
• Tags: Identity, Ceremony, Silko, Leslie Marmon Silko