In my opionion, to date, the most interesting character of Leslie Marmon
Silko's "Ceromony" is the character of Descheeny.
We meet Descheeny as old Betonie tells the story of his grandmother and
grandfather in order to make a point to Tayo. Although it seems that the
story is meant to be more about grandmother, Descheeny's persona seems to
take it over.
Although we have been only slightly introduced to him, Descheeny comes
accross as a man of great wisdom, insight and influence. We realize this
from almost the moment his character is introduced.
He was the only person not afraid of the young women who was to become
Betonie's grandmother. When others outcast and feared her for her mystical
ways, it was Descheeny who saw her special gifts and almost seemed to be
waiting with anticipation. On page 150 in the beginning of the third full
paragragh Silko writes in reference to their relationship, "He had been
watching the sky before she came...he was ready."
Descheeny also seemed to garner a certain respect, even from those who were
reluctant to give it freely. Although his wives did not like the young girl
or the fact that they were together they raised her daughter because that was
what Descheeny wanted. He and his ways of performing the ceromonies were
also tolerated, if relectantly, because of his success as well as his
charisma.
It will be interesting to see if this character returns. I hope so.
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