Quiz on 'The Medicine Bag'

In “The Medicine Bag,” how does Grandpa arrive at the narrator’s home? Mark only one oval.

• He is driving an old, dust-covered car.

• He is riding in the back of an old pickup truck.

• He is traveling to the narrator’s home in a police car.

• He is walking down the street with dogs following him.

In “The Medicine Bag,” why does Grandpa say he has arrived for a surprise visit with the family? Mark only one oval.

• He wants to see where his only existing descendants live, and he wants to give Martin the medicine bag.

• He feels that death is now very near, and he wants to be buried where his only existing relatives live.

• He wants to teach his grandchildren lessons that will help them respect the old ways.

• He wants to see his family in person to discuss the resentment he has felt for years.

In “The Medicine Bag,” why is the pouch referred to as a medicine bag? Mark only one oval.

• It holds rocks that carry magical energy.

• It holds leaves that can overcome sickness.

• It holds items that protect and guide the wearer.

• It holds powders needed in the work of a Lakota shaman.

Near the end of “The Medicine Bag,” Grandpa gives Martin the medicine bag and says, “[You] need not wear it.” What do these words show most clearly about Grandpa’s thinking? Mark only one oval.

• Grandpa knows that the medicine bag has power even if Martin does not wear it.

• Grandpa realizes that the medicine bag will be more meaningful at a later time.

• Grandpa feels sad that Martin does not want to wear the medicine bag.

• Grandpa understands that Martin is uncomfortable about his heritage.

What type of conflict is present in the story? Mark only one oval.

• man vs. man

• man vs. himself

• man vs. nature

• man vs. technology

Select three traits that describe Martin at the end of the story. Check all that apply.

• appreciative

• mature

• proud

• immature

• insecure

Which of the following pieces of text foreshadows grandpa's death? Mark only one oval.

• I didn’t know what to say. I had the same hot and cold feeling that I had when I first saw Grandpa in the street.

• Nothing bothered Cheryl about bringing her friends to see Grandpa.

• They were listening to Grandpa as he told how he’d killed the deer from which his vest was made.

• But Grandpa was tired. “Not now, Martin,” he said waving his hand in dismissal. “It is not time. Now I will sleep.”

Part A Which statement most clearly describes Martin in the early part of “The Medicine Bag”? Mark only one oval.

• Martin worries about his friends’ opinions.

• Martin is cruel and insensitive toward others.

• Martin appreciates and respects Grandpa’s behavior.

• He never reveals to his friends that Grandpa is a Lakota.

Part A In “The Medicine Bag,” before Grandpa comes to visit, how does the narrator feel about talking to his friends about his Lakota grandfather? Mark only one oval.

• He makes fun of how Grandpa dresses and where he lives to amuse his friends.

• He becomes angry when the other children make fun of Grandpa’s heritage.

• He likes the fact that his stories about Grandpa appeal to the other kids.

• He never reveals to his friends that Grandpa is a Lakota.

Select the options that are concrete nouns. Check all that apply.

• paper

• desk

• love

• house

• hate