The Medicine Bag by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

Summary of The Medicine Bag

by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

The Medicine Bag is a first-person narrative told by Martin, a young boy living in a modern American city with his parents and sister Cheryl. Martin belongs to a mixed cultural background: his father is a Native American (Sioux/Lakota), while his mother is white. Though Martin is aware of his Native roots, he feels emotionally and socially distant from them and is more comfortable with his urban lifestyle.

The story begins with Martin recalling how he and his younger sister Cheryl often boasted about their Sioux grandfather, Joe Iron Shell, to their city friends. Since their friends knew Native Americans only through movies and television, they were deeply impressed by the siblings’ stories. Martin admits that they sometimes exaggerated, making Grandpa and life on the reservation sound far more glamorous than it actually was.

During their annual summer visits to the Rosebud Reservation, Grandpa would give them authentic Sioux items that strengthened their stories. Cheryl once received handmade moccasins, while Martin was gifted a small rawhide drum decorated with a painted warrior. Grandpa even taught Martin a traditional Sioux chant, which made a powerful impression on their friends back in the city.

However, despite their pride in their heritage, Martin and Cheryl never showed their friends a photograph of Grandpa. They feared that the reality would not match the heroic image they had created. Grandpa was not tall or majestic like the “Indians” shown on television. He was very old, with stringy gray hair, and lived alone in a modest shack on the Rosebud Reservation rather than in a tepee.

One day, Martin hears as if all the mutts were packed together and barking at a stranger wearing a tall black hat and walking in the middle of the street. He discovers that it is his Grandpa Joe Iron Shell who unexpectedly arrives there traveling all the way from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation. Grandpa Iron Shell is very old, frail, and dressed in traditional Native American clothes. He carries with him a medicine bag, a small leather pouch that he always keeps close to his heart. Martin is immediately embarrassed by his grandfather’s appearance and behavior. He worries about how his friends might react to seeing an old man who speaks broken English, walks slowly, and follows unfamiliar customs.

Despite Martin’s discomfort, Grandpa Iron Shell is treated kindly by the family. He sleeps most of the time and seems extremely weak, making it clear that he may not live much longer. During his stay, Martin’s friends come to visit. Instead of mocking Grandpa, they show respect, curiosity, and warmth, greeting him politely and listening attentively when he speaks. This reaction surprises Martin and slowly begins to change his attitude toward his grandfather and his cultural heritage.

As the story progresses, Grandpa Iron Shell reveals the true purpose of his visit. He explains that the medicine bag is a sacred family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. It contains a single, precious object—a lock of hair from his grandfather, symbolizing continuity, memory, and the survival of family tradition. According to custom, the medicine bag must be handed over before death, and Grandpa believes his time is near.

Initially, Grandpa Iron Shell hesitates to give the medicine bag to Martin because he fears the boy is not ready to understand or honor its meaning. Martin’s earlier embarrassment confirms these doubts. However, after observing Martin’s respectful behavior toward him and noticing the boy’s growing maturity, Grandpa decides that Martin is worthy of carrying the family legacy.

In a deeply emotional moment, Grandpa Iron Shell formally passes the medicine bag to Martin, instructing him never to open it, but to carry it close to his heart and eventually pass it on to the next generation. This act symbolizes Martin’s acceptance of his identity and his responsibility to preserve his ancestral heritage.

By the end of the story, Martin undergoes a profound inner transformation. His embarrassment is replaced by pride, understanding, and respect for his grandfather and his Native American roots. The medicine bag becomes more than a physical object—it represents Martin’s connection to his ancestors, his culture, and his own sense of self.

Character Sketches

Martin

Martin is the protagonist and narrator of the story. He is a young boy living in a modern city and belongs to a mixed cultural background—half Native American and half white. At the beginning, Martin feels embarrassed and uneasy about his Native identity, especially when his grandfather visits wearing traditional clothes and speaking broken English. He is concerned about social acceptance and fears being judged by his friends.

However, as the story progresses, Martin undergoes a significant emotional transformation. Observing his friends’ respectful behavior toward Grandpa Iron Shell and understanding the importance of the medicine bag, Martin begins to reassess his earlier shame. By the end, he accepts the medicine bag with reverence, symbolizing his growth, maturity, and acceptance of cultural responsibility. Martin represents the struggle of modern youth caught between tradition and contemporary life.

Grandpa Joe Iron Shell

Grandpa Joe Iron Shell is Martin’s elderly grandfather and the moral center of the story. He lives on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and strictly follows Native American traditions. Though physically weak and close to death, he possesses spiritual strength, dignity, and wisdom.

He undertakes a difficult journey to pass on the medicine bag before his death, showing his deep sense of duty toward tradition. Grandpa Iron Shell speaks little, but every word carries meaning. He initially doubts Martin’s readiness to inherit the medicine bag, but later recognizes his grandson’s inner change. He symbolizes cultural continuity, ancestral wisdom, and respect for heritage.

Major Themes

a) Cultural Identity

The central theme of the story is the struggle to accept one’s cultural identity. Martin initially distances himself from his Native American roots, but gradually realizes that identity is not something to hide, but something to honor and preserve.

b) Tradition and Heritage

The medicine bag represents traditions passed down through generations. The story emphasizes that traditions survive only when the younger generation is willing to accept responsibility for them.

c) Generation Gap

The contrast between Grandpa Iron Shell’s traditional lifestyle and Martin’s modern upbringing highlights the gap between generations, yet also shows how understanding can bridge that gap.

d) Shame to Pride

Martin’s emotional journey—from embarrassment to pride—forms the psychological backbone of the story. His growth reflects the journey many young people experience when reconciling heritage with modern life.

e) Responsibility and Maturity

Accepting the medicine bag signifies Martin’s entry into emotional maturity and his readiness to carry forward family values.

Symbolism

The Medicine Bag

The medicine bag is the most powerful symbol in the story. It represents:

Cultural heritage

Spiritual continuity

Family history

Responsibility toward ancestors

The fact that Martin is instructed never to open it reinforces the idea that tradition is based on respect and faith, not curiosity.

The Lock of Hair

The lock of hair inside the medicine bag symbolizes ancestral presence and memory, connecting the living to the dead across generations.

Important Questions & Answers

Q1. Why does Grandpa Iron Shell visit Martin’s family?

Ans. Grandpa Iron Shell visits to pass on the medicine bag to Martin before his death, ensuring the continuation of family tradition.

Q2. Why is Martin embarrassed by his grandfather initially?

Ans. Martin feels embarrassed because his grandfather’s traditional appearance and behavior contrast sharply with modern city life, and Martin fears social judgment.

Q3. How does Martin’s attitude change by the end of the story?

Ans. Martin moves from shame and discomfort to pride and acceptance of his Native American heritage.

Q4. What qualities make Martin worthy of inheriting the medicine bag?

Ans. His growing respect, emotional maturity, and willingness to honor tradition make him worthy.

Q5. What message does the story convey?

Ans. The story conveys that cultural heritage must be respected and preserved, and that true identity comes from embracing one’s roots.

MCQs (Exam Pattern)

1. The story is narrated from whose point of view?

A. Grandpa Iron Shell

B. Martin

C. Cheryl

D. Martin’s father

Answer: B

2. What does the medicine bag contain?

A. Herbs

B. Feathers

C. A lock of hair

D. Stones

Answer: C

3. Why does Grandpa Iron Shell travel to the city?

A. For medical treatment

B. To meet friends

C. To give the medicine bag to Martin

D. To live permanently

Answer: C

4. Where does Grandpa Iron Shell live?

A. New York

B. Rosebud Sioux Reservation

C. Chicago

D. Los Angeles

Answer: B

5. Martin’s friends react to Grandpa Iron Shell with:

A. Mockery

B. Fear

C. Respect

D. Indifference

Answer: C

Assertion–Reason Questions

Assertion (A): Martin initially feels ashamed of his grandfather.

Reason (R): He fears being judged by his friends for his Native heritage.

Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

Assertion (A): The medicine bag is never opened.

Reason (R): Traditions require faith and respect, not curiosity.

Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

Value & Message (Exam Conclusion Line)

The Medicine Bag teaches that true maturity lies in embracing one’s roots, and that traditions survive only when they are carried forward with respect and responsibility.

15-MARK LONG ANSWERS (Exam-Ready)

Q1. Trace Martin’s emotional journey in The Medicine Bag.

Ans. Martin’s emotional journey forms the core of the story. In the beginning, Martin is ashamed of his Native American heritage. His embarrassment is evident when his grandfather, Joe Iron Shell, arrives wearing traditional clothes and speaking broken English. Martin worries about social judgment and feels uncomfortable being associated with old tribal customs.

As the story progresses, Martin observes how his friends treat his grandfather with respect rather than mockery. This challenges Martin’s assumptions and forces him to reflect on his own behavior. He gradually understands the dignity and wisdom of Grandpa Iron Shell.

The turning point comes when Martin learns the significance of the medicine bag and realizes that his grandfather has undertaken a painful journey solely to preserve family tradition. By accepting the medicine bag, Martin accepts his identity, his roots, and his responsibility toward future generations. Thus, Martin evolves from shame to pride and from immaturity to emotional maturity.

Q2. Discuss the symbolic importance of the medicine bag in the story.

Ans. The medicine bag is the most important symbol in the story. It represents cultural heritage, ancestral memory, and continuity of tradition. Passed from generation to generation, it connects the living with their ancestors.

The bag contains a lock of hair, which symbolizes the living presence of ancestors even after death. The instruction never to open the bag emphasizes that tradition is based on reverence and faith, not curiosity or material value.

When Martin receives the medicine bag, it signifies his readiness to accept responsibility and preserve his cultural legacy. Thus, the medicine bag symbolizes identity, duty, and spiritual inheritance.

Q3. How does Grandpa Iron Shell represent Native American values?

Ans. Grandpa Iron Shell represents dignity, patience, spiritual strength, and respect for tradition. Despite his physical weakness, he possesses moral authority and wisdom. His long journey shows commitment to ancestral customs.

He speaks little but meaningfully, reflecting restraint and depth. His insistence on passing the medicine bag before death shows the importance Native American culture places on continuity and responsibility. Through him, the story highlights the richness and dignity of indigenous traditions.

SHORT NOTES (5–6 Marks)

a) Generation Gap

The story highlights the gap between traditional Native American life and modern urban culture. Martin represents modern youth, while Grandpa Iron Shell represents tradition. The gap is bridged through understanding and respect.

b) Role of Martin’s Friends

Martin’s friends play a crucial role in his transformation. Their respectful behavior toward Grandpa Iron Shell contrasts with Martin’s embarrassment and helps him reassess his attitude.

c) Importance of Silence in Grandpa Iron Shell

Grandpa’s silence reflects wisdom, dignity, and spiritual depth. His few words carry great meaning.

IMPORTANT VOCABULARY (With Meanings)

Word ......Meaning

Heirloom .....An object passed down through generations

Reservation.....Land set aside for Native Americans

Heritage......Cultural traditions and history

Frail......Weak and delicate

Ancestral.......Related to ancestors

Reverence......Deep respect

MODEL QUESTION PAPER

Time: 2 Hours

Maximum Marks: 50

SECTION A – MCQs (10 × 1 = 10 marks)

1. The story The Medicine Bag is narrated by:

a) Grandpa Iron Shell

b) Martin

c) Cheryl

d) Martin’s father

2. Grandpa Iron Shell lives on the:

a) Navajo Reservation

b) Rosebud Sioux Reservation

c) Apache Reservation

d) Cherokee Reservation

3. What object does Grandpa Iron Shell always carry?

a) A walking stick

b) A leather bag

c) A medicine bag

d) A feather pouch

4. What does the medicine bag contain?

a) Herbs

b) Feathers

c) A lock of hair

d) Stones

5. Martin initially feels embarrassed because:

a) Grandpa is sick

b) Grandpa speaks little

c) Grandpa looks traditional

d) Grandpa scolds him

6. Martin’s friends react to Grandpa Iron Shell with:

a) Fear

b) Mockery

c) Curiosity

d) Respect

7. Why does Grandpa Iron Shell visit Martin?

a) For treatment

b) For a vacation

c) To pass on the medicine bag

d) To stay permanently

8. The instruction regarding the medicine bag is that it should:

a) Be opened daily

b) Be shown to others

c) Never be opened

d) Be buried

9. The medicine bag symbolizes:

a) Wealth

b) Power

c) Tradition and heritage

d) Fear

10. By the end of the story, Martin feels:

a) Angry

b) Confused

c) Proud

d) Indifferent

SECTION B – SHORT ANSWERS (5 × 4 = 20 marks)

1. Why is Martin uncomfortable when Grandpa Iron Shell arrives?

2. What role do Martin’s friends play in the story?

3. Describe Grandpa Iron Shell’s personality.

4. What does the medicine bag represent?

5. How does Martin’s attitude change by the end of the story?

SECTION C – LONG ANSWERS (Choose any ONE) (1 × 10 = 10 marks)

1. Trace Martin’s emotional journey from embarrassment to acceptance.

OR

2. Discuss the importance of tradition and heritage in The Medicine Bag.

SECTION D – VALUE-BASED QUESTION (1 × 10 = 10 marks)

1. The Medicine Bag highlights the importance of respecting one’s roots and elders.

or

2. Discuss the values conveyed by the story with reference to Martin and Grandpa Iron Shell.

ANSWER KEY

SECTION A – MCQs

1) Martin

2) Rosebud Sioux Reservation

3) A medicine bag

4) A lock of hair

5) Grandpa looks traditional

6) Respect

7) To pass on the medicine bag

8) Never be opened

9) Tradition and heritage

10) Proud

SECTION B – SHORT ANSWERS (Key Points)

1. Martin feels uncomfortable because his grandfather’s traditional appearance and broken English make him fear social judgment.

2. Martin’s friends treat Grandpa Iron Shell with respect, helping Martin overcome his embarrassment and accept his heritage.

3. Grandpa Iron Shell is dignified, spiritually strong, traditional, and deeply committed to preserving cultural values.

4. The medicine bag symbolizes ancestral heritage, tradition, continuity, and responsibility.

5. Martin changes from feeling ashamed of his roots to feeling proud and responsible for preserving his heritage.

SECTION C – LONG ANSWERS (Outline)

1. Emotional Journey of Martin

Initial embarrassment

Influence of friends’ respectful behavior

Understanding Grandpa’s purpose

Acceptance of medicine bag

Growth into emotional maturity

2. Tradition and Heritage

Importance of ancestral customs

Role of medicine bag

Grandpa’s sense of duty

Martin as the future bearer of tradition

SECTION D – VALUE-BASED ANSWER (Key Values)

Respect for elders

Pride in cultural identity

Responsibility toward tradition

Emotional maturity

Cultural tolerance