7
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Conflict and Symbolism in "The Medicine Bag"

Question 7 • LCS-Teacher Remediation-M/J Language Arts 3_Q1

Read this excerpt from “The Medicine Bag.” “Even though the boy,” he said still looking at me, “bears a white man’s name, the medicine bag will be his.” I didn’t know what to say. I had the same hot and cold feeling that I had when I first saw Grandpa in the street. The medicine bag was the dirty leather pouch I had found around his neck. “I could never wear such a thing,” I almost said aloud. I thought of having my friends see it in gym class or at the swimming pool and could imagine the smart things they would say. But I just swallowed hard and took a step toward the bed. I knew I would have to take it.

Answer
A
Grandpa has a conflict with himself about whether to give Martin his medicine bag.
B
Grandpa has a conflict with Mom because she married someone from a different culture.
C
Martin has a conflict with himself about honoring his heritage because he thinks it will embarrass him.
D
Martin has a conflict with Grandpa because Grandpa is making decisions for him.

Explanation

Martin feels embarrassed by the medicine bag and imagines his friends making fun of it, so he hesitates to accept it. At the same time, he knows he must take it because it connects him to his heritage and family. This is an internal conflict about honoring his heritage despite worrying that it will embarrass him, which matches choice C.

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