Medicine Bag Analysis Review

Do you think Grandpa made the right decision to travel and visit his family?

• Definitely. He sensed he was dying and wanted to pass on the medicine bag.

• Maybe. It seems like he needed help at the end of his life.

• I don't think so. He put a burden on the family and Martin before his death.

• OTHER

Which event came first in Grandpa's story about his father Iron Shell?

• Grandpa's son had to fight in a war across the ocean, where he (the son) died.

• He got the nickname Iron Shell.

• He was taken away from his home and sent to a boarding school.

• He tried to prepare for a vision quest to find a spirit guide.

Why do you think Grandpa tells Martin the story of Iron Shell?

Although it wasn't stated directly in the text, we assume that Grandpa passed away at the end of the story because... (choose TWO responses)

• Mom and Dad took Grandpa to the hospital, and he never returned home.

• Martin now has the medicine bag in his possession, and he adds the sacred sage.

• Grandpa had a premonition that he would die soon.

• Martin moved into a new home on the Indian reservation.

What have you learned about the path to growing up by reading "The Medicine Bag"?

What detail in the story seems to be the most important one when explaining why the medicine bag is special to Grandpa?

• Grandpa continually wears the bag around his neck.

• Grandpa respects the tradition of his ancestors.

• Grandpa wants to see the tradition continue for future generations.

• Grandpa never opens the bag, but keeps the items sealed away because of their sacred powers.

How does Martin's view of the medicine bag change over the course of the story?

• Martin initially likes the bag, but then decides that it creeps him out since it's from a dead guy.

• Martin is initially embarrassed by Grandpa and the bag, but he accepts the responsibility of having it.

• Martin has always liked the bag, and he is excited to add the sage to it.

• Martin is tired at the beginning, but then he gets honored by having his friends see the bag.

Besides the medicine bag, choose another item that could be a symbol in the story, and briefly explain what you think it represents.

Which concept vocabulary word does not match in feeling with the others?

wearily frail sheepishly fatigue

Type just your correct answer as shown above.

How would Grandpa seem different if the author had used the antonyms of frail, fatigue, straggled, or wearily in the text?