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A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range

of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning,

or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay

analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or

themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.


In Leslie Marmon Silko' Ceremony the "belly" is the location for the birth of stories, both good and evil and so the belly is treasured by characters like Betonie and Tayo who represent good. This idea of a location for all stories help to pass on ideas and important morals the community has to all generations. Upon hearing a story it is Laguna tradition to be part of that story and know all the details to the story so that it is never told wrong.
Characters who posses good Laguna values treasure the idea that the belly is the house, and the life bringer of stories. Betonie is the first to bring reference to this as he rubs his belly when describing where the stories come from but throughout the book Tayo often references the belly. Tayo uses his belly to help understand what is right and wrong, this implies that he uses the stories kept there to help make judgments and continue on the path of the good. Both men treasure this area a sacred area and believe that stories are important to keep the balance between good and evil.
Silko is able to show evil characters with the lack of respect for the belly and the stories that are in it. Emo is Laguna tribe member who tells lies and pretends they are stories, he has no respect for the traditions of the Laguna tribe and so does not believe that stories are kept in the belly. Tayo notices this once while drunk and stabs Emo in the stomach to get the fake stories out of Emo's belly. But because the stories are only in the belly metaphorically Emo continues to spread his fake stories spreading evil throughout the community.
This ability to spot good and evil characters in the book by their stories in their bellies push the idea that there must be a balance between good and evil in the world. Tayo keeps the stories pure and good while Emo tints his stories with evil thus spreading his evil at the same time Tayo spreads goodness. It must always be this way with neither side getting the edge on the other.
Leslie Marmon Silko keeps the symbol of the belly from the beginning to the end, making it obvious which characters are good, and which are evil in Ceremony. From knowing the characters and seeing the balance it is shown that there must be a balance between these two forces.