The Medicine Bag Quiz

Why does Grandpa come to visit Martin’s family?

• He wants to live with them.

• He’s searching for something he lost.

• He feels it is time to pass on the medicine bag.

• He’s looking for a new home.

How does Martin feel about Grandpa’s visit at first?

• Excited

• Embarrassed

• Proud

• Angry

What is inside the medicine bag that Grandpa gives to Martin?

• A feather and a shell

• A stone and sage

• Money and photographs

• A medal and a letter

What is the main reason Grandpa gives Martin the medicine bag?

• It’s a family tradition passed down to the oldest male.

• He doesn’t want to keep it anymore.

• He wants Martin to sell it.

• He feels Martin needs more protection.

How does Martin’s view of Grandpa change by the end of the story?

• He becomes more embarrassed by him.

• He feels a deeper respect and love for him.

• He ignores Grandpa completely.

• He still doesn’t want Grandpa around.

What is the theme or central idea in 'The Medicine Bag'?

• There are different rites of passage in life, including embracing your culture, becoming more focused on your family, and accepting transitions in life.

• Your friends’ opinions are what matter most, so always listen to them.

• There are different rites of passage in life, but you should only concern yourself with the ones that are more beneficial to you.

• Dressing nicely is the best way to impress others.

What details from the story show the disconnection between Martin and his grandfather?

• Martin is proud of all aspects of his culture, and he isn’t ashamed to share that with his friends.

• Grandpa wants Martin to be fully aware that his friends’ opinions are important, but Martin is only concerned with himself.

• Martin is only proud of pieces of his culture and wants to impress his friends instead of honoring his Grandpa and his Lakota heritage.

• Grandpa’s acceptance of technology has made it hard to communicate with his family outside of the reservation, causing a strained relationship with them.

How were Grandpa’s directions of what Martin should do with the medicine bag different from what Martin expected?

• His directions were for Martin to wear the medicine bag at all times, especially when he was at school or in public places.

• His directions were for Martin to announce to his family and friends that he would now possess the medicine bag.

• He directed Martin to share his dream with his mom before visiting the reservation.

• He directed him to wear it only in a place where it would be understood, which was on the reservation.

Based on the end of the story, what can we conclude about Martin, the medicine bag, and Grandpa?

• Martin has come to accept the medicine bag and appreciate his culture. Sadly, his grandfather has died.

• His mom and dad decided to go ahead and visit the reservation before it was too late, but Martin still doesn’t feel proud to own the medicine bag.

• Martin says thanks because his grandpa didn’t embarrass him in front of his friends, but he’s still apprehensive about owning the medicine bag.

• Martin visited the reservation in hopes that he could come to a full understanding of the medicine bag, or he would have to pass it on to someone else in his family.

Martin lies to his friends about Grandpa’s appearance because he is embarrassed.

• True

• False