When the past has eroded ones will to carry through because it has only resulted in a loss of identity, what does one do to live, not just exist in a world? Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko introduces Tayo, a wounded veteran of World War II that is suffering from what was then called “battle fatigue,” better known as post-traumatic stress disorder in today’s society (33). Tayo attempts to combat daily life by resorting to alcohol and violence. His family brings in spiritual renewals and ceremony recoveries to help tackle the “battle fatigue.” While the rituals, in the beginning, failed Tayo in efforts to a stronger self, the ending ceremonies did justice for him, however, it is through deep analysis of Silko’s addition of animals that benefited Tayo’s growth and gave him reason to live. To understand what is wrong in Tayo’s life, it’s important to acknowledge the white man’s world and how they viewed men of a different race, in particular, American Indians. During the years of World War II, the only color that each person saw was green, the same color each of Tayo’s fellow marines wore. Skin color was something to put behind them, in the meantime at least. However, when discussing the difference in …show more content…
In science class, a “tubful of dead frogs, bloated with formaldehyde” were brought in the room and upon arriva, the Navajos left due to not wanting to be subjected to this type of cruelty. While the science teacher explained it was stupid of them to leave because of beliefs, a Jemez girl explained that they were raised to understand not to kill frogs because “the frogs would get angry and send so much rain that would result in floods (185). The teacher reacted in an unfavorable way, laughing till tears came out of his eyes. Even other white Americans explained that their beliefs were just silly superstitions showing that they didn’t care for the life of