Symbol Analyzation about Ceremony

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Analyzing The Symbol, “The Spotted Cattle” In The Book, “The Ceremony” By Leslie Silko
A symbol is an inferred representation of a given concept in a literary artwork. Symbols can directly or indirectly represent the intended message that the author would like to pass across. Leslie uses the spotted cattle as a symbol that helps to navigate the emotive topic of racism in America. This paper looks into how symbolic representation of human life through the animals can help in relaying the important meaning to the readers.
There are some topics that Leslie present in the book. The main theme in the book is culture clash and ethnic identity. The main character, Tayo, can neither fit in the Native American culture nor the Indian culture but represent the change in between. Moreover, Leslie aims to show that the topic of life transformation conducted through the ceremonial rituals is important for cultural infusion, a concept viewed as growth, while stagnation death. Moreover, the topic of love is evident from earth’s love to people and so send them rain and animals for nourishment, but people’s love to one another like Josiah and Night Swan love helps in cementing the need of a cultural infusion. Most importantly, the topic of race is represented in the book by Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and White Americans. Tayo’s mother was an Indian, a community that is highly despised by the American whites, yet plays significant roles in the social change.

Finally, community, traditions, and customs are important aspects of the book that show the old ways of life thus cementing the natural relationship between man and nature.
Cultural Infusion is important in the development of a stronger America. Leslie uses the symbol of “The spotted cattle” that exhibit features that make them hardy and can survive the harsh drought conditions. When buying the cattle, Josiah was upbeat that a hybrid of cattle would be much better in surviving the conditions. He said,
“See, I’m not going to make a mistake other guys made, buying those Hereford, white-face cattle. If it’s going to be a drought these next few years, then we need some special breed of cattle” (Silko 69).
According to the excerpt, Josiah believed that a single pure breed of cattle could not survive the harsh environmental conditions. According to him, that is the mistake that other people who had invested in cattle committed and did not get many returns. His plan to cross-breed the Mexican cows, the rangy desert wise cows and the American white faced cows give the hardiest breeds. This is a symbolic representation of the human races in America. Pure races like the Mexican Americans, the Indians, Native Americans, and the white Americans may not achieve much in the society when they remain divided. However, when they work together to create a dynamic force, their achievements can greatly improve. The spots on the beautiful cattle, therefore, represent the different races that the American society can unify for greater achievements.
Silko further underscores the need for racial unity in America by showing the outcome of the animal breeds. Silko wrote,
“Tayo watched them disappear over the horizon, their ivory hides shining, speckled brown like a butterfly’s wing. ‘They are really beautiful, aren’t they?’ Josiah said. Tayo nodded.” (Silko 71).
According to the excerpt, the product of cross-cultural unity in America would be shining and beautiful like the breeds of cattle that Josiah managed to raise. Both Josiah and Tayo were amazed at their beauty, with dotted colors that could only equate to the butterfly wings. If American society could drop the racial hatred that defines many lives in their society, it is possible that the outcome of the American society can be that beautiful.
Conclusion
Symbolism is an important literary tool that helps in navigation division topics. Silko used the same tool to illustrate how diversity can get manipulated for the benefit of the society. Through the crossbreeding of the cattle, hybrids that are more resistant is achievable. In the same manner, a racially united America can achieve greater values when unity of purpose is made a priority.

Work Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Silko, Leslie Silko. Ceremony. New York: The Viking Press, 1977. Print.