"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.