Ceremony's Auntie
Native American women were traditionally expected to fulfill the needs of a society of hunters. Their purpose was to help the men in their tribe to make use of the land, including tasks such as gathering and preparing food, cleaning, and caring for their young. These roles were passed down through the generations from mother to daughter. When Native American land was taken over by white settlers the boundaries outlining the role of women began to blur. Silko’s Ceremony, demonstrates this change with the character Auntie. She finds herself caught between her traditional role and the need to find a place in the modern world which now surrounds her. Auntie has several conflicts in the novel. The first conflict is that of religion. The traditional Native American beliefs are contrary to the beliefs of Christianity. The second is between her current desires and her traditional sense of duty. The final conflict is caused by her need to have her son, Rocky fit in with the modern world. This need is in conflict with her desire to keep him close to her by keeping him on the reservation. With theses conflicts Auntie shows the struggles that many Native American women went through. . . .
The these examples show how Auntie tried to intermingle the beliefs of her Native American heritage with the new Christian world. The traditions, rituals, and ceremonies of the people bind them together. The family member Auntie seems to care for most is her son, Rocky. She disapproved of Josiah sleeping with the dancer out of wedlock. She often showed special attention to Rocky that she did not give to Tayo. Auntie’s attempt to separate herself from her family is hindered by her sense of duty. Even though Auntie felt a close maternal bond with Rocky, she let him go out into the world. So, Auntie allowed her son to scorn their traditions and beliefs. The communal beliefs of the people were also contradictory to Christianity. This is especially apparent in her relationship with Tayo. Tayo, was emotionally distant because of her inability to show him the love and support he needed. She supported his attempt to fit in with the modern world, even though it meant that he would never come home. Auntie was constantly reading the Bible and going to church. His mixed heritage and conception out of wedlock make him unacceptable in the eyes of his aunt.
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