Mariel’s Reviews > Ceremony > Status Update

"I want to talk more about the parallel between the story of Tayo and the story of Hummingbird and Fly. For example, when Tayo travels to Gallup to visit Betonie, the hummingbird and fly visit a buzzard for purification, who demands tobacco and is difficult. With the connection between these two stories, it's safe to say that even though I don't actually see the rain return, I assume that it will eventually come."

I want to talk more about the parallel between the story of Tayo and the story of Hummingbird and Fly. For example, when Tayo travels to Gallup to visit Betonie, the hummingbird and fly visit a buzzard for purification, who demands tobacco and is difficult. With the connection between these two stories, it's safe to say that even though I don't actually see the rain return, I assume that it will eventually come.

There are two important woman figures featured in this section I read. First, there is Helen Jean. She represents Tayo's mother. Being desperate for money, she sleeps with men at the bars even though she despises the idea. Tayo is cautious and protective over her at the bar. "The woman" or Ts'eh is second. She is an important part of his journey as he follows the stars. She has strength and powerfulness to her

There are two important woman figures featured in this section I read. First, there is Helen Jean. She represents Tayo's mother. Being desperate for money, she sleeps with men at the bars even though she despises the idea. Tayo is cautious and protective over her at the bar. "The woman" or Ts'eh is second. She is an important part of his journey as he follows the stars. She has a strong and powerfulness to her.

We see the importance of the Native American culture. Betonie helps connect the real and mythical worlds. The story that Betonie tells of the origins of the white people helps add perspective to the sense of distance and hate the natives may feel towards the white people. The message of the myth is that natives are created differently and it is the white people who are inferior, being an invention of the witches.

Straying away from very detailed accounts of Tayo's sad memories and sickness, we start to learn more about Rocky and Josiah. The new information I learn about them helps me understand the pain that Tayo feels. They were truly all one big family that just "got" each other. As the book progresses, there is focus on the themes of damage among different cultures colliding, preservation of culture, and drought.