Questions and Answers
What is the genre of 'The Medicine Bag'?
Where is the setting of the story?
A city in Iowa at Martin's house on Bell View Drive
Who is Martin?
Martin is a suburban teenager who connects with his family traditions.
Who is Joe Iron Shell?
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What items are contained in the medicine bag?
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What is one of the themes of the story?
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What does the medicine bag symbolize?
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What point of view is 'The Medicine Bag' told from?
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What is characterization?
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What is a character in a literary work?
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Study Notes
Genre
- The narrative is a short story reflecting on familial relationships and cultural identity.
Setting
- Takes place in a suburban city in Iowa, specifically Martin's residence on Bell View Drive.
Martin (Protagonist)
- A suburban teenager grappling with the connection to his Sioux heritage.
- Initially proud to share his stories but feels embarrassed by the arrival of his great-grandfather in his neighborhood.
- Experiences a transformation in perspective regarding his family traditions during his great-grandfather's visit.
Joe Iron Shell
- Martin's great-grandfather, an eighty-six-year-old Sioux man whose health is declining.
- Represents pride and dignity; travels from South Dakota to Iowa with the intent of dying with his family.
Plot
- The narrative centers on the arrival of Martin's great-grandfather and the significance of the medicine bag he passes down.
- The medicine bag contains sacred items: a broken shell, a pebble, and sacred sage, all linked to Martin's father’s vision quest.
- The story explores Martin's initial resistance to the burden of heritage, ultimately leading to a profound acceptance of his Sioux identity and cultural values.
Theme: Family Importance
- Emphasizes the vital role of family connections and support in shaping identity and cultural continuity.
Theme: Personal Values
- Highlights that personal values define identity and stresses the importance of being true to oneself amidst societal expectations.
Theme: Cultural Heritage
- Illustrates Martin's journey to embrace his cultural background, showing how traditions inspire personal authenticity despite external judgments.
Point of View
- First-person narration allows readers to experience Martin’s internal struggle and emotional journey through his use of personal pronouns.
Characterization
- The author employs various methods to reveal the nature and background of Martin and Joe, enhancing the depth of their relationship.
Character
- Defined as any individual, animal, or imaginary figure that plays a role in the story's development and themes.
Symbolism
- The medicine bag symbolizes Martin’s Sioux heritage, serving as a potent reminder of familial bonds, cultural legacy, and personal identity.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve's short story, 'The Medicine Bag.' This quiz includes essential literary terms and key character insights, perfect for fans and students alike. Engage with the themes and settings of the story.
