Literary Terms
What is the conflict in the story?
Martin is embarrassed by his grandfather because he is not as impressive as Martin's stories suggest.
Who is the 1st protagonist in the story?
Martin
How is this story narrated and by who?
First person and by Martin
What does Martin think of the medicine bag early in the story?
He thinks it is old and dirty and wouldn't want any of his friends to see him wearing it.
What is something in your culture, religion, or life that is similar to the idea of a medicine bag?
All answers get 100 points
What does the medicine bag symbolize?
Martin's Connection To His Culture
Who is the 2nd protagonist in the story?
Grandfather
Who was Martin embarrassed by? and why?
Martin was embarrassed by his grandfather because he thought his friends would make fun of him since he didn’t portray the image of a Native American that his friends had seen on tv
According to tradition, what does Martin have to put in the medicine bag once it is his?
a piece of prairie sage
what hers was the book written?
1975
What is the setting of the story?
Martin's house, the reservation
What is the grandfather's real name?
Joe Iron Shell
Where does the story mainly take place
Iowa
What does the medicine bag represent?
Martin's family heritage
What is a possible theme of the story?
growing up and appreciating one's culture
What emotion is Martin feeling here?
"...and I wanted to sink right through the pavement."
embarrassment
What is martin’s brother’s name
Trick quistion: he has a sister named “cheryl”
What opposing feelings does Martin have about his grandfather?
pride and shame
What is significant about Martin's actions in the following quote from the story?
"I stood up, somehow knowing I should. Grandpa slowly rose from the bed and stood upright in front of me, holding the bag before my face. I closed my eyes and waited for him to slip it over my head."
Martin's actions show that he now respects and accepts the medicine bag and its history.
true or false?
a medicine bag is the same as a first aid kit
(bonus: what does Martin put inside it at the end of the story)
false
bonus: sacred sage
What possible literary device is displayed here?
"His rumpled black suit hung like a sack over his stooped frame."
true or false: martin’s friends were very disrespectful and prejudiced against martin’s grandfather
false
What portion of the story represents the climax or turning point in the story?
Grandpa tells Martin the story of Iron Shell.
Besides the sacred sage, what two things are in the medicine bag?
a piece of the iron kettle and a pebble from the butte
Who is the author of "The Medicine Bag"?
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve