When I first began reading Leslie Marmon Silko's Ceremeony, the first thing that attracted my attention was the use of non-linear time in the novel. The story constantly jumps between the past and the present and thereby intertwines the various embedded stories into the main framework of the novel. Although at first this is a difficult style to adjust to, it soon becomes easy to navigate between the stories and make connections between Tayo's past and his present.
Another thing that attracted my attention within the first few pages of the novel was the imagery of the white smoke. When Tayo was in this state, "...visions and memories of the past did not penetrate there....there was no pain" (15). Furthermore, the Western 'medicine' provided for him in the Veteran's Hospital only served to further drain his memory and allowed him to remain 'invisible'. I found this to be a noteworthy moment because it redirects the reader's attention to issues regarding the use of Western medicine over traditional Indigenous healing practices. Of course, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Western medicine could not provide the healing that Tayo truly needed.
Good analysis, i agree with you that it takes a while to adjust to the non-linear time. The book really contrasts western culture and the native american's culture. I also agree with you that the imagery was interesting to note. The white smoke seemed like a good way to show how he felt invisible. Ceremony is a good book!
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