Here are important questions and answers for *The Medicine Bag* by Virginia Driving Hawk
Sneve:
### 1. **What is the significance of the medicine bag in the story?**
**Answer:**
The medicine bag is a symbol of the family's heritage and Native American traditions. It
has been passed down through generations, from Martin's great-grandfather's father to
Martin’s great-grandfather, and now to Martin. The bag holds not only physical items but
also the spiritual connection to their ancestors and culture. For Martin, the acceptance of
the bag marks his recognition and pride in his Sioux identity.
### 2. **Why is Martin initially embarrassed by his great-grandfather?**
**Answer:**
Martin is embarrassed because his great-grandfather does not fit in with the image Martin
wants to project to his friends. His great-grandfather dresses traditionally and behaves
differently from what Martin is accustomed to in his modern, urban life. Martin is worried
that his friends will mock him or find his great-grandfather strange, highlighting the
generational and cultural gap.
### 3. **How does Martin’s perspective on his great-grandfather change throughout the
story?**
**Answer:**
At first, Martin feels embarrassed by his great-grandfather, but as the story progresses, he
grows to respect and appreciate him. Martin realizes the depth of his great-grandfather’s
wisdom and the significance of the family traditions he represents. By the end of the story,
Martin feels honored to receive the medicine bag, a symbol of his heritage.
### 4. **What does the great-grandfather's journey to visit Martin’s family reveal about his
character?**
**Answer:**
The great-grandfather’s long journey reveals his determination and the importance of
family traditions to him. Despite his age and poor health, he makes the trip to pass on the
medicine bag to Martin, showing his deep commitment to preserving their family’s heritage.
His perseverance also demonstrates his love for his family and his sense of responsibility.
### 5. **What role does the vision quest play in the story?**
**Answer:**
The vision quest is part of the great-grandfather's story when he received the medicine
bag from his father. It is a rite of passage in Sioux culture, symbolizing the transition to
adulthood and connection to spiritual wisdom. The great-grandfather shares this with
Martin to show that the medicine bag carries deep spiritual meaning, and passing it on to
Martin is part of continuing their family’s legacy.
### 6. **How does Martin feel when he finally receives the medicine bag?**
**Answer:**
Martin initially feels reluctant to accept the medicine bag due to his mixed feelings about
his cultural heritage. However, after understanding its importance and his great-
grandfather’s love and wisdom, he accepts it with pride and a sense of responsibility. He
understands that the medicine bag is not just a physical object but a connection to his
family’s history and culture.
### 7. **What does the story suggest about the relationship between tradition and modern
life?**
**Answer:**
The story highlights the tension between tradition and modernity, especially for younger
generations like Martin, who feel torn between fitting into modern society and honoring
their cultural heritage. However, by the end, the story suggests that these two aspects of
life can coexist, as Martin learns to respect and accept his heritage while still living in the
modern world.
### 8. **Why does the great-grandfather choose to pass the medicine bag to Martin?**
**Answer:**
The great-grandfather chooses Martin because he is the next male in the family, and it is a
family tradition that the medicine bag be passed down from one male generation to the
next. Additionally, the great-grandfather knows that his time is running out, and he wants to
ensure that the family legacy is passed on before he dies.
These questions and answers delve into the story’s core themes of cultural identity,
generational differences, and the importance of heritage.
