Abstract The story that unfolds in the book "Ceremony", written by Leslie Silko, is filled with various themes, symbolism and insights into Native American culture and spirituality. The paper shows that the style Silko uses augments each of these aspects of her writing and increases the depth and meaning of her work. The narrative style mirrors the cultural beliefs of the Laguna Pueblos as well as Native Americans in general.
From the Paper "The embedded text and Native American poetry acts as a bridge between the cultures. While the storyline refers to Indian spirits and their correlation to the culture and its beginnings, it is the poems in the embedded text that give their meaning and help the reader to apply this meaning to the narrative of Tayo's ceremonial rebirth into his culture. The poems give insight into the legends referred to in the text. By using embedded text rather than offering explanation within the narrative, the spirit themes are more meaningful. The reader can actually read the Native American poetry and interpret the meaning and placement of the meaning into the story."
