An Analysis of Tayo in "Ceremony" By Leslie Marmon Silko

Tayo is a half-Native American veteran of World War II and is also the main character in Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. War seems to have a profound effect on our main protagonist, who returns suffering from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder. For the majority of the beginning of the book, he is almost always incessantly vomiting. His PTSD can most likely be attributed to watching his cousin, Rocky, die before his very eyes at the hands of Japanese soldiers. Because him and Rocky grew up together, Tayo often recalls memories from their childhood throughout the novel.

Another significant factor of Tayo's identity is the fact that he is mixed race. Tayo is half white and half Native American, as denoted by his green eyes. Tayo's mixed heritage is often a point of contention throughout the novel, as some people resent him for not being "full-blood". Him being mixed race gives him a unique perspective however, as he gives the reader insight into facets of both Native American and white culture. However, his mixed race, combined with the lack of his biological parents, often lead to identity problems for Tayo. He struggles to connect with the culture of Laguna, hence why he has to undergo the ceremony.

Tayo's ceremony is critical to his character development and is actually what helps him to completely recover from his post-traumatic stress disorder. The ceremony is orchestrated by Betonie, an older Indian medicine man who relies on ancient Indian medicines and traditions to cure his patients. The ceremony is begun halfway through the novel but it is not until the very end that it is completed and Tayo is fully immersed in Laguna culture. At this point, Tayo is cured of his ailment and is able to move on from his past.

At the beginning of Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, we see a morally and physically depleted Tayo, who is heavily suffering from PTSD after World War II. As the novel progresses, the reader becomes more hopeful for his recovery. An ancient Native American ceremony facilitated by a medicine man leads to Tayo's recovery and his immersion into Laguna culture. It offers both closure to Tayo and the reader, as a feeling of satisfaction and relief is felt as a result of his recovery.