Comparison of Themes in the Novels Ceremony and Fools Crow Essay

This paper will explore the similarities of the themes in the Novel Ceremony written by Leslie Marmon Silko and the book by James Welch; Fools Crow. Although both novels are set in completely different eras, Fools Crow is created on the occurrences that lead to the Marias Massacre in 1870 while Ceremony is a historical story after the World War II, they both have some similar themes which the writers develop throughout the novel.

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To start with, both have a thematic idea of tradition and cultural influence. In Fools Crow, the theme is brought out in the novel by giving Pikuni's experiences as they strive to maintain their traditions as more White Americans referred to as Napikwans invade their lands. It is also in the midst of smallpox, alcohol, persecutions that are violent, and decreasing numbers of buffalo. The white settlers try to make the Pikunis to stop some of their traditions such as hunting and eating buffalos and in return the natives fight them to maintain their way of life (Welch, 1987). Similarly, in the book Ceremony, the traditions manifest whereby ancient ceremonies are held via physical actions, for instance, a hunter after killing a deer gives it salt (Silko, 1977). It shows respect to the spirit of the deer and his acknowledgement of taking of life. Some ceremonies are also performed when in crisis especially upon abandoning or loss of power. In the novel, it is depicted that some characters such as Rocky did not survive because they dismiss some of the traditions and culture. Such a character is Rocky who dies in World War II because of abandoning some traditions he believes are superstitions such as the deer ritual. Tayo, however, survives has he connects to his culture and traditions even when at war. Nevertheless, some of these traditions fail to work, for instance, the traditional ceremony of healing the warriors who kill at war by Ku'oosh did not succeed for Tayo (Silko, 1977).

Additionally, there is a theme of storytelling in both novels. In Ceremony, storytelling practice is depicted as a vital spiritual aspect in the cultures of many Native Americans. The storytelling is seen as a way to keep in touch with the past, teach moral lessons and give guidance on how to live, and also for entertainment. The opening of the novel describes the though woman, Ts'its'tsi'nako, who tell the whole story. The only way to fight evil, disease and death is through stories. After Tayo's return from the world ward, there are poem-stories told to give teachings that apply to Tayo's quest for healing, and also to give the audience a reflection into the stories that guide the Native Americans' spiritual lives, lessons, and daily activities. The writer, Leslie, brings out the ancient stories in form of poetry that feature majorly throughout the novel. In Fools Crow, White Man's Dog gets the name from Victory Robe White Man, a Blackfoot storyteller, who he loyally follows since he was a kid. He retells these stories over and over throughout the book. The storytelling in the novel is also in form of dreams and visions. Welch uses dreams and visions to tell stories of several characters in the novel. They each predict danger in a similar way. For instance during the horse raid to the Crow camp which Yellow Kidney leads Pikuni's and White Man's dog, the character, Fast Horse dreams that, in exchange for a raid's blessing, the Cold Maker who is the Pikuni spirit of winter asks for his help in spotting and removing the large boulder from his drink; spring (Welch 1987). Unfortunately, Fast Horse fails and Yellow Kidney does not take the dream into consideration. Eventually, the raid goes terribly wrong for both of them. The White Man's Dog receives a vision during the traditional torture dance. The vision is of Wolverine who is his animal helper and it agrees to make him succeed in battle(Welch 1987). He successfully kills the chief Bull shield, Crow, which earns him the name "Fools Crow'.

Also, the theme of colonialism and western culture influence is evident in both the novels. In Fools Crow, upon the end of the Civil war, the Napikwans with support from the United States government and the seizers in blue-coats manage to invade the Pikuni Indians land and overwrite many of their cultures. They bring along with them the "white man's water and infections of chicken pox. White Man's Dog and the rest of the Lone Eaters remain resilient and have determination to fight for their culture (Welch, 1987). The white people manage to enforce their ways through oppressing the natives. They force them to graze the white horn cattle and cultivate in Mother Earth (Welch, 1987). The Napikwans also bring the most coveted shot guns which the Lone Eaters adopt in hunting. Eventually they sign treaty with the white settlers to give them supplies in exchange of land.

Likewise, in Ceremony, after the Pueblo men return from the war, they find their fellow natives also face racism, oppression and objectification by the whites. For comfort, these veteran characters turn into alcohol. The western influence also affect the women as a character such as Helen Jean decline to sleep with the native men since they is a perception that they are lazy and poor. The warriors themselves also adopt the idea that they are inferior to the white man. During the war, they conceal their identity of being natives to sleep with white women. The natives' population of the future is endangered as they do not participate in sexual activities amongst themselves. Also, the novel reveals that the western ways and influence is deep root into the natives' lifestyles and their original culture seem not to be working for them anymore including traditional medicine.

In both, there is also a thematic idea of spirituality and connection to the natural world. In the book, Ceremony, Leslie depicts how the Native Americans have lost touch with their ancient spiritual beliefs and instead embraced the White world's ways. Balance, respect for life and the natural world guide the spiritual beliefs but the natives no longer observe them. As a result of the experiences and losses Tayo experiences during the World War II, he is unable to honor the fellow warriors' spirits. Particularly, he remains traumatized by the death of Rocky, his cousin. It attributes to his loss of connection and faith in the history and spiritual practices of Laguna. The writer shows how through Tayo's search for healing, he reconnects to the spiritual and natural world and also finds a way forward in addition to hope on how to redeem the world and save earth (Nelson 2008).

Similarly, in the book Fools Crow, in Pikuni life the source of power and main feature is the natural world. Welch portrays Fool Crow as an inexperienced warrior who seeks strength and power from his spirit animal as there is lack of good medicine. He continuously tries to summon the animal by smoking, fasting, praying and sweating. Even though in several occasions he is unsuccessful, he is hopeful that one day the spirit animal will give him the courage and power. Yellow Kidney also covers his face with the Seven Persons "familiar pattern" before they go to attack Crow (Welch, 1987). The novel outlines that he finds power while he is painting his face's left half. In addition, Mik-api engages his animal helper, the raven, to communicate to Fools Crow and eventually through the bird he manages to reach out to Skunk Bear (Welch, 1987).

Lastly, in both novels, there is also a theme of war. In Ceremony, the story begins at sunrise where Tayo is in his spare ranch house dreaming. He has a memory that specifically bothers him. The memory is about the war, where did not kill a Japanese soldier in the Philippines since he happened to see his Uncle Josiah wearing the Japanese uniform (Silko, 1977). The character, Rocky, also dies during the war. Most of the challenges that affect the warriors who come back home are majorly as a result of the war including dealing with trauma because of the experiences and also alcoholism for comfort. In Fools Crow, war manifests throughout the novel. As the protagonist White's do transforms into Fools Crow, he and the Lone Eaters warriors engage in wars with other tribes. In the culture of Pikunis, war, is of great importance as it provides them with power, wives and horses (Welch, 1987). They also go to war with the invading white people. Fast Horse and Owl Child with help from fellow Pikuni outcasts at first violently invade, steal and kill the white settlers who are encroaching their land. The Marias Massacre during the invasion contribute to the death of about two hundred Pikunis (Welch 1987).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is good to note that both Leslie and Welch bring out these themes in well laid out thoughts and relatable issues. They develop the themes in a way the readers can relate and engage emotions when trying to deeply understand them. It is easy to visualize the thematic ideas and expound on them.

Works Cited

Nelson, Robert M. Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony: The Recovery of Tradition. Peter Lang, 2008.

Silko, Leslie M. Ceremony. Penguin Books, 1977.

Welch, James. Fools Crow. Penguin Classics, 1987.