Ceremony (Discussion)

Throughout the book 'Ceremony' by Leslie Marmon Silko - holds the perspective of Tayo who returns home to the Laguna Pueblo tribe after world war 2 and its after effects on many points rallied together in the book. Some such points are the effects of alcoholism, racism, P.T.S (D). and oppression among other topics. The story follows Tayo as he struggles to deal with the aftermath of the war and his cousin's death, which shamed him further from his family. He comes to a recognition that not only he, but others - his old friends were effected by the war a well, and have chosen to self medicate with alcohol. Tayo often reflects on Rocky - his cousin and friend who died. He (Tayo) blames the weather, the rain and jungle heat for killing him, although a Japanese grenade is what killed his cousin. In the face of commanding death, Tayo imagines his Uncle Josiah as a Japanese soldier he was ordered to kill. The book then shows the views of the general and other commanders attitude around the circumstances of Tayo's panic attack - they call it 'battle fatigue' and neglect to realize the impact it has but rather than admit that it is something that might be natural in facing death they toss away the idea of its relevancy. The connections and parallels of the p.t.s(d), and alcoholism seem to be a together after affect for some of the characters in the book - as previously mentioned some turn to alcohol as a numbing technique to bury their pain of the past.  Another anesthetization used on Tayo is morphine when he is stationed at the VA hospital. (The voice was saying 'He can't talk to you. He is invisible. His words are formed with an invisible tongue, they have no sound') Silko 14.  The novel covers many of like subjects like the after effects of the war and how (Tayo) goes about dispelling his p.t.s (d) through many forms of medication - may it be drugs, alcohol, old Laguna traditions (ceremonies) etc.

Dances With Wolves (Reflection #2)

After Lt. John Dunbar assists the Sioux tribe in finding and hunting buffalo, he separates himself from the tribe for a short time, but the cinematography shows in accordance to him being familiarized to their customs from spending time with them, he starts to act as if he is a part of the tribe, even away from them. He starts to act and live by their rules though some characteristics still show that he still retains parts of his old self as an American soldier as he grows accustomed to his new life.  But he shortly returns to the tribe and helps gather supplies - guns - from the fort for the tribe to use against a Pawnee attack. As the movie progresses further toward the climax and ending it is notable that John (re-named 'Dances with Wolves') starts to fight on the other side - for the Sioux, even against his own people. His relationship with Stands with a Fist progresses as well, and the two marry. After finally informing the Chief of the oncoming attack of the white men will invade, and there will be to many, it is decided that the camp be moved to a winter fort. Dunbar realizes that he left his journal back at the camp - and fearing that it will lead soldiers to the tribe goes back to get it. As he feared the camp is now overridden with his used to be comrades. But because Dunbar is dressed as a member of the Sioux tribe he is attacked and captured. The film then reflects on how much John has changed in the past few weeks o living with the Sioux - he now wears their clothes and speaks their language. When the general asks john questions he replies in the Sioux's language - Lakota, and acts apart from them, as their enemy rather than a lost comrade. His now being initiated into the tribe, has changed his attitude towards the people he once fought with. He treats them as the tribe might have, if they encountered the army. While being taken to his execution he is rescued by Wind in his Hair and others, and his journal is lost to the river. Soon after returning to the camp Dunbar comes to the realization that because he helped kill the American soldiers he is now a fugitive and an outcast. He decides that for the good of the tribe he reluctantly must leave. As Dances with Wolves and his wife leave the camp, Wind in his hair shouts that he will always be his friend, and will remember him. This is an important piece of the film setting and character development as Wind in his Hair did not like Dunbar at first, but in the end he declares himself and Dunbar friends. In the ending scene Pawnee scouts arrive at the campsite where the Sioux have started to live. In the credits the film states what happened in history to many of the Sioux and other's tribes homes, how they were ruined and overtaken.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR4j8iWu-OI

Dancing With Wolves (#1)

Currently our class is studying 'Dances with Wolves'. Which narrates the story of Lt. John Dunbar as he fights in the civil war - and eventually after requesting permission to be transferred to an outpost he encounters the tribe known as the Sioux. In the opening scene at Saint Davids Field in 1865 John Dunbar has his leg amputated. This scene might be used to show the viewer how unsanitary medical procedures were during that time period. So far throughout the film, the cinematography continues to show reflection and hints of symbolism in many different aspects. For example - when one of the Sioux are running their hands through the field of grass, it could be determined to be seen as freedom, or openness. Or when John was bathing naked - without his weapons, or anything to cover or protect him, could symbolize being vulnerable and open. Another scene views the half shadow on John's face - to symbolize new hope matched with past despair. The film further delves into the social interactions that take place between the tribe and John; the confusion of language, new delicacies, and behavior. John and the natives first have issues communicating and coming to an understanding. In custom of John observing the natives the cinematography shows how some people might be ignorant to think that all the people are, are violent, and inhumane - shown by another custom known as scalping.  The scenery in the film uses not only the bloody field of Saint Davids - allowing the viewer a glimpse of the bloodshed, but shows another visual on a turf somewhat yet separated from the civil war. The plains to show the great expanse of a wild landscape that is present through most of John's and the native's group travel through. It envelopes the idea of a freedom on the other side of the country while the war wages on.