Tayo in Ceremony: The Gray Area for Preserving Native American Culture

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This paper examines the themes of cultural preservation and integration in Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel Ceremony, focusing on the character Tayo and his role in bridging the gap between Native American and modern American cultures. Historically, Native Americans have faced isolation, whether by choice or by force, leading to economic, social, and cultural challenges. Government policies such as the Dawes Act and efforts to assimilate Native Americans into modern American society through education and religious conversion have disrupted traditional ways of life and led to a legacy of mistrust and marginalization. Ceremony portrays a path forward, advocating for a balance between maintaining cultural integrity and embracing necessary changes for survival. The novel emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation and integration, suggesting that Native Americans can thrive without losing their identities by engaging with the broader American society. Through Tayo’s journey of healing and his interactions with the medicine man Betonie, Silko illustrates the potential for cultural hybridity to foster resilience and understanding. By presenting a nuanced vision of coexistence, Ceremony calls for mutual respect and collaboration between Native Americans and modern Americans. The novel encourages a reimagining of cultural identity that is inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that Native American traditions remain vibrant and relevant in a changing world. This paper argues that cultural survival depends not on isolation but on the ability to adapt and integrate, creating a future where multiple cultures can coexist and enrich each other.