Evidence of Cultural Convergence

Evidence of Cultural Convergence

In this reading section of Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony (pp. 107-167) there are many new and interesting dynamics plunged into the already unique storyline. Tayo's trip to the second medicine man's house reflects his willingness to try and better himself with traditional ceremony, and his willingness to stay is reflective of his desire to open up to both cultures that he belongs to. Old Betonie has a very distinct living place. It is built into the land, like a traditional Native American home, and has a hole in the ceiling to allow the fire smoke to escape. There are many oddities about his living space, however, and this is why Tayo is hesitant to remain in his presence. It is described as a room with, "clutter of boxes and trunks stacked almost to the ceiling beams (119)." The strange objects in the room, Tayo soon realizes, are a unique mixture of Navaho and American culture. There are leather pouches and bags blending in with telephone books from random cities across the country. Betonie shows his understanding of Tayo's confusion by stating, "They say I'm crazy (122)." This is significant because he soon reveals that the necessity for a medicine man to have a successful ceremony in the present time requires that he be familiar with and close to American culture. The reasoning could be that the two distinct worlds in which Tayo has been exposed to are dramatically smashing together, and for him the war experience was the catalyst. Tayo feels a sense of belonging with the Laguna people and sadness for others who have chosen a miserable life in Gallup. He wants to belong to his tribe, but his people want him to return to "normalcy" and they have no idea of his past experiences in the violent American war hero life. The visit to Betonie's house is shrouded with uncertainty for the protagonist of the story, but it is ultimately the turning point in his path to recovery. In order to accept the new, changing world, he must spend time with a man who also understands both aspects of his life. Lastly, Betonie mirrors Tayo with a similar eye color. This is what ultimately convinces Tayo that he is safe, and he can trust him, because Betonie is proud of his Mexican mother. As they embark on the journey to the ceremonial site, Tayo shows evidence of the acceptance with which he is willing to face the new, converging