Bad Cree Themes Quiz: Conflicts and Resolutions

Study Notes

Conflicts and Resolutions in 'Bad Cree' by Jessica Johns

Jessica Johns' novel 'Bad Cree' centers around the transformation of Mackenzie, a Cree woman who left her hometown in Alberta, Canada, years ago, only to return due to disturbing dreams. These dreams gradually escalate, becoming more vivid and confusing until she finds herself clutching the severed head of a crow in her hand. Convinced that the events occurring in her dreams are mirrored in reality, Mackenzie's return home becomes a quest to understand the source of these nightmares and prevent any potential danger they might pose.

Conflicts in 'Bad Cree'

'Bad Cree' deals with several interconnected conflicts involving both internal and external struggles:

Generational Trauma: Mackenzie's return to her childhood home serves as an opportunity to confront the lingering effects of trauma experienced over generations. This includes the loss of her grandmother and sister, as well as the ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
Family Ties: Reconnecting with her family proves challenging for Mackenzie, as she grapples with resentments and misunderstandings born out of her decision to leave. This dynamic highlights the complexity of familial relationships, particularly within the context of Indigenous communities.
Identity Crisis: Throughout the narrative, Mackenzie navigates questions surrounding her identity and cultural heritage. Returning to her ancestral lands allows her to explore the depths of her Nehiyaw (Cree) roots and reclaim aspects of her heritage that had been lost or neglected during her time away from home.

Resolutions in 'Bad Cree'

Despite the conflicts faced by Mackenzie and her family, 'Bad Cree' ultimately offers several forms of resolution:

Healing: The novel emphasizes the importance of healing through connection to one's culture and community. This is demonstrated most significantly when Mackenzie collaborates with her relatives to confront their shared traumatic past.
Understanding: Through the course of the story, Mackenzie comes to appreciate her roots more deeply, gaining a greater understanding of both her personal history and the collective experiences of Indigenous communities. This newfound knowledge allows her to find solace within herself.
Acceptance: By embracing her identity and recognizing the complexities of her familial relationships, Mackenzie accepts herself as she is and learns to move forward with compassion towards others.

In conclusion, 'Bad Cree' weaves together themes of loss, trauma, and identity, crafting an intricate narrative that highlights the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. Through Jessica Johns' vivid storytelling, readers are invited to explore the power of healing, understanding, and acceptance within the context of generational legacies and cultural heritage.

Description

Test your understanding of the conflicts and resolutions in Jessica Johns' novel 'Bad Cree'. Explore themes such as generational trauma, family ties, identity crisis, healing, understanding, and acceptance as portrayed in the story.