Healed In Nature-a Study On Ceremony From The Perspective Of Native American’s Nature Spirituality

As the youngest writer to be included in The Norton Anthology of Women’s Literature, Leslie Marmon Silko is doubtlessly reputed as one of the most prominent contemporary Native American writers. Her works perfectly reflect profound understanding of Native American cultural heritage, concentrate efforts on nature writing, and integrate strong Native American consciousness. Since the publication of Ceremony in1977, as her masterpiece, this book has gained huge praise for its unique blending of Native American and Euro-American literary tradition. The novel deals with the protagonist Tayo’s loss of balance and harmony that stems from his estrangement from tribal culture. The thesis aims to interpret the protagonist Tayo’s healing way with the healing function of land, animals and the assistance from human beings from the point of Native American’s understanding towards nature spirituality.The introduction section gives a brief introduction to Native American literature, Leslie Marmon Silko and her novel Ceremony. This part gives a brief literary review of the study of Ceremony.The first chapter is a thorough study of ecological Indians, Native American sacred hoop and healing power in nature and how these beliefs and traditions constitute a major element of the Native American culture. Then the thesis examines how these elements contribute to serve and reveal the nature spirituality of the Native Americans and are represented in Ceremony.Chapter two devotes to present the sacredness of land in Native American cultural heritage and delve the healing function of lands in American Native life which exerts critically influence on Tayo’s healing way. By revisiting the sacred sites, receiving revelation from the sacred land, Tayo has been unified with the land.Chapter three inquires into the important position of animals in the Native American tribal community and probes into the inter-relationship between Tayo’s attitude towards animals and his health status.Chapter four traces Tayo’s relationship with Native American communities. As mixed-blood identity and absence of mother, Tayo has been cut off from his own clan and has been alienated from the white society. With the care of strong, intelligent and loving women healers and the guidance of medicine men, Tayo finds his proper position in the community.