The Medicine Bag by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve offers a heartfelt and introspective look into the significance of family, culture, and heritage.
The story centers around Martin, a young Native American boy, and his relationship with his grandfather, a figure who represents the cultural traditions of their Lakota heritage. As Martin grapples with his identity and the traditions of his family, his grandfather's visit brings forth a profound realization about the power of cultural continuity.
Here, we break down the story of The Medicine Bag, following the journey of Martin and his family, and the symbolic passing of the medicine bag.
The Setting: Two Worlds Collide
Martin is a fourteen-year-old boy living in Iowa with his white father and Native American mother. His grandfather, an eighty-six-year-old Native American from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, visits them every summer.
While Martin is proud of his heritage, he also feels the tension between his Native American roots and the predominantly white world in which he lives. Every summer, Martin and his sister Cheryl visit Grandpa and bring back wonderful stories of their time on the reservation. However, Martin never shows a picture of his grandfather to his friends, fearing they would judge him for his Native roots.
→ Martin lives in Iowa with his white father and Native American mother, while his grandfather lives on the Rosebud Reservation.
Grandpa’s Unexpected Visit: A Conflict of Identity
One summer, Grandpa makes the long journey from South Dakota to Iowa to visit Martin and his family. Martin is initially upset and embarrassed by his grandfather’s arrival.
His Grandpa, dressed in traditional Native American attire, feels out of place in the modern streets of Iowa, and Martin fears that his friends will mock his appearance. Despite his discomfort, Martin helps his grandfather into the house. The contrast between Martin’s glamorous image of Grandpa and the reality of his visit becomes a pivotal point in the story.
→ Grandpa arrives in Iowa, and Martin feels embarrassed by his appearance and behavior.
Grandpa’s Health and the Truth About His Visit
As Martin helps Grandpa into bed, he realizes how weak and frail the old man has become. Grandpa’s physical condition worsens, prompting the family to call a doctor, who diagnoses him with heat exhaustion.
As the family gathers around, Grandpa reveals the true purpose of his visit: he is lonely and wants to visit his only remaining family members before it is too late. Despite the difficulties he faced in making the journey, Grandpa insists he was determined to meet them.
→ Grandpa, suffering from heat exhaustion, reveals that his visit is due to loneliness and a desire to see his family.
The Medicine Bag: A Symbol of Heritage
After sharing his story, Grandpa reveals to Martin the reason for bringing the medicine bag—an elk leather pouch that has been passed down through generations. Grandpa’s father, Iron Shell, had given him the bag, and now Grandpa wishes to pass it on to Martin.
The medicine bag represents the family’s history, culture, and traditions. Grandpa explains that the bag, which contains an iron shell, is a symbol of protection, keeping away evil. The pouch carries the weight of ancestral heritage and has been passed down from generation to generation, from Iron Shell to Grandpa, and now to Martin.
→ Grandpa hands over the medicine bag to Martin, signifying the transfer of cultural heritage.
Martin’s Transformation: Embracing His Heritage
Initially, Martin is hesitant and uncomfortable with the idea of accepting the medicine bag. He feels awkward about wearing it, and he worries about the cultural judgment he might face from his friends.
However, as he listens to Grandpa’s story and learns more about the significance of the bag, Martin begins to understand the importance of his cultural legacy. The medicine bag is not just a physical object but a symbol of his identity, his ancestors, and his family’s history. By accepting the bag, Martin is also accepting his heritage.
→ Martin begins to understand the importance of the medicine bag and what it represents.
Grandpa’s Legacy: A Changing Perspective
As Martin comes to terms with the importance of the medicine bag, he also gains a deeper respect for his grandfather. The old man, despite his frailty, carries with him the wisdom and history of his people.
Martin’s initial embarrassment fades, replaced by a newfound sense of pride in his grandfather’s legacy. The symbolic act of receiving the medicine bag marks a significant moment in Martin’s growth and understanding of his own identity.
→ Martin gains a deeper respect for his grandfather and begins to embrace his cultural heritage.
The End: A Cycle of Tradition
In the end, after Grandpa’s visit, Martin’s family prepares to bury him in South Dakota, honoring his final wishes. The passing of the medicine bag symbolizes the continuation of cultural traditions that have been carried on for generations. Martin’s acceptance of the bag and its meaning shows his transformation into someone who values his cultural roots and the legacy left behind by his ancestors.
→ Grandpa’s passing marks the continuation of family traditions, and Martin carries on the cultural legacy through the medicine bag.
Conclusion: A Story of Cultural Identity and Legacy
The Medicine Bag is a powerful exploration of the themes of family, cultural heritage, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
Through Martin’s journey of self-discovery and his acceptance of his grandfather’s heritage, the story highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing them down to future generations. Grandpa’s journey to deliver the medicine bag is a symbolic gesture, teaching Martin the significance of his roots and how they shape his identity.
Final Thoughts on the Story’s Arrows
To better understand the plot, we can follow the key arrows that chart the evolution of Martin’s understanding of his heritage:
→ Martin feels embarrassed by his Grandpa’s appearance and visit.
→ Grandpa reveals the true purpose of his visit and the significance of the medicine bag.
→ Martin slowly starts to understand the importance of the bag as a symbol of family heritage.
→ Martin embraces his cultural heritage by accepting the medicine bag.
→ Grandpa’s death and burial in South Dakota symbolize the continuation of the family’s traditions.
Through these arrows, we see the transformation of Martin’s perspective—from initial embarrassment to full acceptance of his roots and legacy. This powerful message reminds readers of the importance of family history, culture, and the continuity of traditions across generations.
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