The Medicine Bag

In "The Medicine Bag," how does the dialogue between the narrator and Grandpa reveal aspects of their relationship?

• It shows they are distant and formal.

• It highlights their mutual respect and affection.

• It indicates they are indifferent to each other.

• It suggests they are in conflict.

Read the following passage from "The Medicine Bag": *"The medicine bag was a symbol of our family's heritage, passed down from generation to generation."* What does the medicine bag symbolize in the story?

• Wealth and prosperity

• Family heritage and tradition

• Conflict and struggle

• Modern technology

In "The Medicine Bag," how does the incident of Grandpa giving the medicine bag to the narrator propel the action of the story?

• It causes a family argument.

• It signifies the passing of cultural heritage.

• It introduces a new character.

• It has no impact on the story.

Analyze how the incident of Grandpa Joe Iron Shell's arrival in "The Medicine Bag" propels the action of the story.

• It causes the narrator to feel ashamed.

• It leads to a deeper understanding of family heritage.

• It introduces a new conflict with neighbors.

• It has no impact on the story.

What is the main theme of "The Medicine Bag"?

• The importance of family heritage and cultural identity

• Learning about different cultures' cuisines

• Exploring the history of the Sioux tribe

• Discussing the importance of education

In the Medicine bag, how does Grandpa's visit and the sharing of his heritage influence Martin's decision regarding the medicine bag?

• Grandpa's visit makes Martin embarassed, and he decides to hide the medicine bag to avoid being teased by his friends

• Grandpa's visit helps martin realize the importance of his heritage, and he reluctantly accepts the medicine bag out of respect for his family

• Grandpa's visit reveals Martin's desire to reject his culture, and he refuses to take the medicine bag, feeling no connection

• Grandpa's visit inspires Martin to embrace his heritage with pride, and he eagerly accepts the medicine bag as a symbol of his identity and family legacy

What does the medicine bag symbolize in relation to Martin’s journey?

• The medicine bag represents Martin’s reluctance to accept his Native American heritage.

• The medicine bag symbolizes Martin’s desire to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps literally.

• The medicine bag represents the connection between Martin’s modern life and his Native American heritage, showing how tradition and identity are passed through generations.

• The medicine bag symbolizes Martin’s rejection of his cultural roots in favor of a more modern lifestyle.

Answer explanation

The medicine bag is a key symbol in the story, representing Martin’s acceptance of his Native American heritage and the connection between past and present, as passed down through his grandfather.

Why is the moment when Grandpa gives Martin the medicine bag so important to the story’s resolution?

• It symbolizes the end of Martin’s relationship with his grandfather.

• It shows Martin rejecting his modern life and fully adopting traditional ways.

• It represents the passing of cultural responsibility and identity from one generation to the next.

• It forces Martin to confront his discomfort with his family’s traditions and abandon them.

Answer explanation

This moment represents the symbolic passing of cultural knowledge, responsibility, and identity from Grandpa to Martin, showing the continuity of tradition through generations.

What role does Grandpa’s physical appearance play in developing the story’s themes?

• It highlights the differences between Martin’s family and their modern lifestyle.

• It illustrates the fading influence of Native American culture on younger generations.

• It symbolizes the challenges of aging and the persistence of cultural wisdom despite physically unfit.

• It emphasizes Martin’s shame and discomfort with his heritage.

Answer explanation

Grandpa’s frail physical appearance contrasts with the strength of his cultural knowledge and wisdom, symbolizing the persistence of tradition and the importance of passing it on, despite the physical challenges of aging.

How does Martin’s perception of his grandfather change from the beginning to the end of the story?

• At first, Martin sees Grandpa as a burden, but later he views him as irrelevant to modern life.
  

• Initially, Martin is ashamed of Grandpa, but by the end, he comes to respect and admire him for his wisdom and cultural knowledge.
  

• Martin always respects his grandfather, but his love for him deepens after receiving the medicine bag.
  

• Martin’s perception of his grandfather doesn’t change, as he always saw him as a wise figure.

Answer explanation

At first, Martin is embarrassed by his grandfather, but through the course of the story, he comes to appreciate his wisdom and cultural significance, especially after receiving the medicine bag.