In Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony, Tayo, a young Laguna Pueblo veteran, struggles with alienation and isolation in post-WWII America, compounded by PTSD. Seeking healing, Tayo turns to traditional Laguna Pueblo legends and ceremonies. With the help of Betonie, a medicine man, and Ts’eh, a mysterious woman, Tayo embarks on a journey to reclaim stolen cattle, restore balance, and confront personal and communal traumas. This novel contains material that might be upsetting to some readers: alcohol addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical violence, sexual violence, torture, ableism, anti-Indigenous slurs, and anti-unhoused and anti-Indigenous biases.

A reader who enjoys Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko is likely interested in Native American culture and post-war trauma. They may also appreciate deep, lyrical prose and complex storytelling as seen in works like Louise Erdrich's Love Medicine or Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.

Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony intertwines Native American traditions with modern struggles, earning praise for its rich storytelling and deep cultural insights. While commendable for its lyrical prose and complex characters, some readers find its nonlinear structure challenging. Overall, it stands out as a profound exploration of identity and healing, meriting its acclaim despite its demanding narrative style.

Contemplative / Mysterious / Melancholic / Fantastical / Dark

- Ceremony is renowned for being one of the first novels written by a Native American woman to gain widespread recognition, showcasing Leslie Marmon Silko's Laguna Pueblo heritage and pioneering Native American literature in the mainstream.
- The novel incorporates traditional Laguna myths, oral storytelling, and contemporary issues, highlighting Silko's skill in blending cultural narratives with modern themes.
- Leslie Marmon Silko was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Grant, often referred to as the "Genius Grant," in part due to the literary significance and masterful storytelling exhibited in Ceremony.

**Tayo**  
The protagonist who struggles with his identity and PTSD after WWII, navigating the complexities of his mixed heritage and seeking healing through traditional practices.

**Ts’eh**  
Tayo's love interest and a mystical guide who helps him reconnect with his cultural heritage and the land, offering support and guidance throughout his journey.

**Night Swan**  
A Mexican cantina dancer who has a relationship with Tayo's uncle and shares wisdom about embracing change and identity, influencing Tayo's understanding of himself.

**Emo**  
The antagonist who represents internalized colonial oppression and violence, serving as a foil to Tayo with his destructive tendencies and resistance to change.

Leslie Marmon Silko

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ceremony reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ceremony | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Ceremony and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ceremony Summary and Study Guide

Background

Ceremony Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-67

Ceremony Pages 1-67 Summary & Analysis

Pages 68-128

Ceremony Pages 68-128 Summary & Analysis

Pages 129-192

Ceremony Pages 129-192 Summary & Analysis

Pages 193-244

Ceremony Pages 193-244 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Ceremony Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Ceremony Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ceremony Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Ceremony Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Ceremony Essay Topics

Ceremony Teaching Unit

Introduction

Ceremony Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Ceremony Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Ceremony Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Ceremony Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Ceremony Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Ceremony Activities

Essay Questions

Ceremony Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Ceremony Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Ceremony Exam Answer Key

Ceremony

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ceremony?

Reading Age

Book Details