Abstract

Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony is often misconstrued as a novel dealing primarily with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)_experienced by many soldiers following World War Two. This article seeks to illuminate the way in which Silko intricately weaves a manifold of complex traumas into the novel. It highlights intergenerational trauma prevalent in Native American communities as a direct result of Western colonisation, in addition to the evident trauma inflicted on the protagonist as a direct result of his mixed-heritage background. Furthermore, it posits that Silko endeavours to preserve Native American culture through the integration of traditional Laguna Pueblo stories interspersed throughout and the implementation of a non-linear structure that mirrors the Laguna belief in the cyclical nature of life. This article further emphasises how Silko’s novel effectively and efficaciously underscores the paramount importance of memory in the trauma healing process, illustrating that the protagonist’s trauma is only resolved once he acquires solace in his cultural heritage.

Keywords

Native Americans, Trauma, American History, Laguna Pueblo, Alcoholism, World War Two, Mixed Heritage, Intergenerational Trauma

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