Bravery

In Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko presents the concept of bravery using Tayo, a patriotic individual willing to fight for his country and, in a sense, looking to prove his masculinity. Tayo mentions that the women around him ignored him until he became a US Marine, wearing a uniform and becoming an image of bravery. But as the story goes on, with Tayo enduring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and physical illness, he learns about a new element of bravery, one that is based on an emotional awakening. With help from Betonie, Tayo finds within himself the strength necessary to fight his internal demons. He realizes that the peace and courage that one finds associated with bravery gradually comes and is not to be found immediately. Tayo transcends the stereotypical heroic character by adding an emotional and mental element to the concept of bravery.