"I'LL SPEAK FOR BOTH SIDES": Coloniality and Hybridity in Identity Construction in Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremony
Abstract
This study explores the complex relations between coloniality and hybridity in
identity construction for the Native American community in Leslie Marmon Silko's novel
Ceremony. The study aims to examine how these literary techniques contribute to the
protagonist's construction of identity, specifically focusing on his mixed-race identity and the
way in which coloniality influences his experience. Through close reading, the study explores
instances of hybridity and magical realism in the novel, examining their role in challenging
societal norms, resisting colonial power structures, and disrupting dominant narratives. The
findings signify the significance of hybridity as a form of resistance against coloniality in
identity construction. With the incorporation of magical realism, Silko creates a "third space"
of negotiation, allowing for a blurring of the lines and new identity constructions. This study
contributes to a deeper understanding of Native American experiences and identities by
addressing colonialism's impact on the community and identity construction.
Degree
Student essay
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Date
2024-03-21Author
Kakavand, Filippa
Keywords
Leslie Marmon Silko
Ceremony
postcolonialism
coloniality
hybridity
magical realism
identity
storytelling
Indigenous
Native American literature
Series/Report no.
SPL 2024-003, kandidatuppsats, engelska
Language
eng