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The Medicine Bag: ISC Class 12 English workbook solutions, notes
Get notes, summary, questions and answers, workbook solutions (Beeta Publication/Morning Star), critical analysis, word meanings, extras, and pdf of Virginia Driving Hawk’s story The Medicine Bag: ISC Class 12 English (Prism). However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Martin felt conflicted about his mixed ancestry. His mother belonged to the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota, while his father was a white man. Every summer, Martin and his little sister Charyl eagerly anticipated their visit to see their 86-year old grandfather on the Rosebud Reservation.
Grandfather truly embodied the spirit and traditions of their people. The kids would return home full of vivid stories about ancient ceremonies, healing rituals, and Grandfather’s wisdom that seemed to transcend time. Martin and Charyl’s friends relished these tales that brought to life a culture so different from their own.
But Martin never showed any photos of Grandfather to his friends. He knew Grandfather’s weathered face, long braided hair, and vibrant tribal clothing would seem exotic and strange. Martin dreaded the day his two worlds would collide.
One hot July morning, the family spotted a solitary figure walking slowly down their street. To Martin’s horror, he realised it was Grandfather. The old man greeted them warmly, unaffected as dogs barked loudly at this unfamiliar visitor. Martin cringed with embarrassment while his mother awkwardly patted his grandfather’s back. Only little Charyl wrapped her arms around him in a joyful welcome.
That first evening, as he helped Grandfather prepare for bed, Martin was shocked to discover rolls of bills stuffed inside the old man’s worn boots. Grandfather had cashed in his meagre life savings to afford the long journey to see them one last time. He simply longed for family as the end drew near. Awash in shame, Martin’s family realised they had abandoned Grandfather to die alone.
The next day, Grandfather waited expectantly in the living room to meet Martin’s friends—the very encounter Martin had always dreaded. But to Martin’s surprise, the boys were utterly captivated by Grandfather, sitting raptly at his feet as he shared legends passed down by their ancestors through generations. For the first time, Martin glowed with pride in his noble heritage.
Finally, Grandfather turned to Martin and explained that his visit had a deeper purpose. He unclasped the leather pouch from around his neck. It was the family’s sacred medicine bag, which Grandfather now wished to bestow upon Martin to carry on their ancient ways. Martin trembled as he received the weighty honour.
Shortly after, Grandfather peacefully passed on. In a moving ceremony, Martin’s family returned his body to the earth of his beloved reservation. With his head held high, Martin wore the medicine bag proudly at Grandfather’s side, cherishing the culture it represented. He placed sweet prairie sage inside to carry Grandfather’s spirit forward. Though worlds apart in life, in death, Grandfather and Martin were joyfully united.
Workbook answers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What did Martin and his sister Cheryl brag about?
(a) Their ancestral home
(b) Their maternal grandfather
(c) The Medicine Bag
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b) Their maternal grandfather
2. Why did Martin never show Grandpa’s picture to his friends?
(a) He was not good looking
(b) He was shabbily dressed
(c) He was a Native American
(d) He was not tall and stately like TV Indians.
Answer: (d) He was not tall and stately like TV Indians.
3. How did Martin feel on seeing Grandpa, who had come unexpectedly?
(a) Excited
(b) Happy
(c) Embarrassed
(d) Sad
Answer: (c) Embarrassed
4. How did Cheryl react on seeing Grandpa?
(a) Glad
(b) Nervous
(c) Embarrassed
(d) Shocked
Answer: (a) Glad
5. Why did Grandpa’s shoes fit so tight?
(a) They were old and worn
(b) They were small in size
(c) They were stuffed with money
(d) They were stuffed with medicines
Answer: (c) They were stuffed with money
6. Why did Grandpa decide to visit Iowa?
(a) He wanted to see where his descendants lived
(b) He was feeling lonely when they left him after their yearly visit
(c) He wanted to die in his descendants’ house
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b)
7. Why had Grandpa saved money?
(a) For his grandson
(b) For his funeral
(c) For buying a new medicine bag
(d) For travelling to the city
Answer: (b) For his funeral
8. Martin felt proud of Grandpa for
(a) his courage to travel to the city all alone
(b) adhering to his customs and traditions
(c) carrying the medicine bag around his neck
(d) All of the above
Answer: (a) his courage to travel to the city all alone
9. Joe’s father made a vision quest to find a
(a) medicine bag
(b) spirit guide
(c) sacred sage
(d) secret message
Answer: (b) spirit guide
10. What did Martin’s great-great-grandfather receive in his sacred dream?
(a) White man’s iron
(b) Sacred sage
(c) Iron kettle
(d) Medicine bag
Answer: (a) White man’s iron
Complete the Sentences
1. Martin always bragged about Grandpa because_____________.
Answer: …he wanted to impress his friends by creating a glamorous image of his grandfather that matched the stereotypical Native Americans they saw in movies and on TV.
2. Martin felt so ashamed and embarrassed when Grandpa made a sudden visit to their house because_____________.
Answer: …Grandpa’s real appearance—old, frail, and dressed in a rumpled suit—was the complete opposite of the grand, heroic image Martin had invented for his friends, and he feared being exposed as a liar.
3. Martin’s mother moved forward to embrace Grandpa but checked herself from doing so because_____________.
Answer: …she remembered that according to Sioux custom, such a public display of affection was considered improper and would embarrass him.
4. The scuffed old cowboy boots that Grandpa was wearing were tight because_____________.
Answer: …they were stuffed with the money he had saved for his funeral.
5. Soon after Martin and his family’s visit, Grandpa decided to visit their house in Iowa because _____________.
Answer: …he was feeling lonesome and, sensing his death was near, he knew it was the right time to see his only living descendants and pass on the medicine bag to Martin.
6. Martin felt proud of Grandpa because _____________.
Answer: …he admired the courage of the eighty-six-year-old man, who had never been away from the reservation, for travelling so far all by himself.
7. Grandpa gave the hundred dollars he had saved for his funeral to Martin’s mother because _____________.
Answer: …he did not want to be a financial burden on the family and wanted them to use the money for groceries instead.
8. Grandpa said that he would not have come with them earlier because _____________.
Answer: …according to his beliefs, things must be done only when the time is right, and it was now the proper time for him to pass the medicine bag to Martin.
9. Martin and his family felt guilty when Grandpa travelled all by himself for two days to meet them because _____________.
Answer: …they had not noticed how old, weak, and lonely he had become during their last visit and felt they should have brought him home with them then.
10. Martin’s mother ensured that every summer Martin and his sister spent a week with their great-grandfather on the reservation because _____________.
Answer: …Grandpa was her only remaining family, and she wanted to make sure her children maintained their connection with him.
11. Grandpa gave the money he had saved for his funeral to Martin’s mother because _____________.
Answer: …he did not want to be a burden on the family and insisted they use it for groceries during his stay.
12. Martin made excuses to his friends so that they would not visit Grandpa not fearing they would laugh at Grandpa but because _____________.
Answer: …he was afraid that the reality of his grandfather would threaten his own reputation by exposing the fantastical stories he had told.
13. The first Iron Shell kept the piece of iron with him at all times because _____________.
Answer: …he believed it was a sacred talisman from his vision quest that would protect him from evil.
14. Iron Shell’s son did not take the medicine bag with him in the battle because _____________.
Answer: …he was afraid that he would lose it.
15. Iron Shell realised the significance of seeing a White Man’s iron in his sacred dream because _____________.
Answer: …when he was later forced to work in a blacksmith’s shop at a boarding school, he understood his vision had led him there to learn to work with iron.
Short Answer Questions
1. How did the narrator describe his Grandpa to his friends? Why?
Answer: The narrator, Martin, described his grandfather to his friends by creating a stupendous and glamorous image of him. After his yearly summer visits to the reservation, Martin would tell his friends exciting and concocted stories, making his Grandpa and the reservation sound glamorous. He created a fantastical image of his grandfather in line with the conventional impression of Indians from movies and television, suggesting he was tall and stately like a TV Indian with his hair in braids.
Martin did this because he was a mixed-race teenage boy who felt embarrassed by his mixed identity and did not like the ancestry that threatened his modern identity. He told these stories in an attempt to be accepted by his peers, as he feared losing his popularity and face if they knew the reality. The real Grandpa was not tall and stately, his hair hung in stringy gray strands, he was old, and lived in a part log, part tar-paper shack, which did not match the unrealistic portrayal of Native Americans his friends knew from television and cinema.
2. Why did the narrator never show Grandpa’s picture to his friends?
Answer: The narrator never showed his friends a picture of his Grandpa because he feared the truth about his grandfather would come to the fore. He knew that the glamorous and concocted tales he told about his Grandpa did not match the real person. His friends, who only knew about Indians from movies and TV, would have laughed at the picture.
The reality was that Grandpa was not tall and stately like the TV Indians Martin described. Instead, he was old, his hair was not in braids but hung in stringy gray strands on his neck, and he lived by himself in a part log, part tar-paper shack on the Rosebud Reservation, not in a tepee. Martin was afraid that showing the picture would expose his exaggerations and lead to ridicule from his friends.
3. How did the narrator initially react on seeing Grandpa walking in the middle of the street outside his house?
Answer: When the narrator, Martin, first saw his Grandpa walking down the street, he was shocked and embarrassed. He felt cold and hot at the same time as he recognised the man and whispered, “Oh, no! It’s Grandpa!” He was so ashamed that he felt he could have died and wanted to run and hide. He stood on the curb, unable to move.
Martin found his grandfather’s appearance—a tall black hat with a drooping feather, a rumpled black suit over a bright-red satin shirt, and gray hair straggling from under the hat—to be completely out of place in their neighbourhood. This reality was a stark contrast to the fantastical image he had created for his friends, and he felt like sinking right through the pavement from embarrassment.
4. How did Martin’s mother and sister Cheryl react on seeing Grandpa?
Answer: Martin’s mother was shocked to see Grandpa. When she saw him, her hand was over her mouth, and she looked as if she could not believe what she saw. She gasped and asked how in the world he got there. She was shocked that the grandfather had travelled alone all the way from South Dakota to Iowa. Remembering Sioux customs, she checked her move to embrace Grandpa, as she knew such a display of affection was not considered decent and would embarrass him.
In contrast, Martin’s younger sister, Cheryl, was all smiles and obviously glad to see her grandfather. She burst out of the house, yelling happily, “Grandpa! You came to see us!” She was still young enough to be hugged, and Grandpa stretched out his arms to her. Cheryl was the only one in the family who did not seem to be taken aback by the unexpected visit and hugged the old man happily.
5. Compare and contrast Martin’s behaviour with that of his sister Cheryl’s when Grandpa unexpectedly visited their house.
Answer: Martin’s and Cheryl’s behaviours upon their grandfather’s unexpected visit were completely different, showing the gap between a self-conscious teenager and an uninhibited child. Martin was deeply ashamed and embarrassed by his grandfather’s appearance and the situation. He wanted to run and hide, feeling that his reputation with his friends was threatened. His reaction was one of panic and a desire to sink through the pavement.
Cheryl, on the other hand, reacted with pure joy and excitement. She was all smiles, burst out of the house, and yelled happily upon seeing her grandfather. She was obviously glad he had come and, being a small child, she hugged him without any of the self-consciousness that afflicted Martin. While Martin was worried about appearances, Cheryl’s response was one of simple, genuine affection for her grandfather.
6. What reason did Grandpa give for his unexpected visit to Iowa?
Answer: Grandpa gave two main reasons for his unexpected visit. First, he admitted sheepishly that he was feeling lonesome on the reservation after Martin and his family had left at the end of the summer. He wanted to see where his only living descendants lived and what their home was like.
The second, and more important, reason was that he felt his end was near. He told the family that he had come because it was soon time for Martin to have the medicine bag. He knew he had to follow the tradition of his family to pass the medicine bag, along with its history, to the oldest male child, who was Martin.
7. How did Martin’s friends react after meeting Grandpa? How did it bring about a change in Martin’s feelings about Grandpa?
Answer: Martin’s friends were fascinated with his grandfather and treated him with great respect. When Martin introduced them, they were very polite, shaking Grandpa’s hand and greeting him formally. They listened in awed silence as Grandpa told them stories about his adventures. As they left, they told Martin that his Grandpa was “really great” and that they wanted to come back to see him again.
This reaction brought about a significant change in Martin’s feelings. He was amazed at how respectfully his friends treated his Grandpa and felt quite proud of him. The visit changed Martin’s view of his grandfather, and from that day onwards, he began to see him in a different light. His fear and embarrassment were replaced by pride and a new appreciation for the old man.
8. What sort of feelings did Martin have Grandpa told him that time had come for him to hand over the medicine bag to him?
Answer: When Grandpa told Martin that it was time for him to receive the medicine bag, Martin was horrified and conflicted. He had the same hot and cold feeling that he had when he first saw Grandpa in the street. His immediate thought was about the “dirty leather pouch” and how he could never wear such a thing.
He was troubled by the fear of having to accept the shabby medicine bag. He imagined his friends seeing it in gym class or at the swimming pool and could picture the smart things they would say. Despite his horror and fear of ridicule, he also felt a sense of inevitability. He knew he had to accept his new identity rooted in tradition, so he swallowed hard and understood that he would have to take the bag if it was offered to him.
9. What did Grandpa tell Martin about the connection between the white man’s iron which the first Iron Shell saw in his dream and its role later on his life?
Answer: Grandpa told Martin that his own father, the first Iron Shell, had a sacred dream during a vision quest in which he found the white man’s iron. He did not understand the vision at the time, but after coming down from the butte, he found the broken shell of an iron kettle in a campfire. He took this as a sign, put a piece of the iron in his medicine bag, and kept it as a talisman.
The meaning of the dream became clear later in his life. Iron Shell and other young men were taken by soldiers to a white man’s boarding school. At first, he resisted learning, but one day it was his turn to work in the school’s blacksmith shop. As he walked into the shop, he knew that his medicine had brought him there to learn and work with the white man’s iron. He became a blacksmith and worked at the trade for the rest of his life, thus fulfilling the vision.
10. Explain briefly the significance Martin’s act of accepting the medicine bag from Grandpa.
Answer: Martin’s act of accepting the medicine bag is very significant as it marks his coming-of-age and his acceptance of his heritage. Initially, Martin was horrified by the thought of receiving the “shabby medicine bag,” but he underwent a change of heart. By accepting the bag, he was also accepting his new identity, one rooted in the Sioux tradition and nativity of his maternal family.
The act symbolizes his acceptance of his responsibility towards his mixed heritage. When he later goes to the reservation after his grandfather’s death and puts the sacred sage in the bag as instructed, it signifies his full acceptance of his cultural and spiritual legacy. He is no longer embarrassed but is ready to carry on the culture, customs, and traditions of the Native Americans, thereby honourably accepting the heirloom and his place in the family’s history.
Long Answer Questions
1. Explain Martin’s fear when his grandfather unexpectedly visited them in Iowa. Was he able to dispel those fears later in the story? How?
Answer: Martin’s fear upon his grandfather’s unexpected visit stemmed from his embarrassment and the potential loss of his reputation among his friends. Martin, a mixed-race teenage boy, had created a fantastical and glamorous image of his Native American great-grandfather, telling his friends stories that aligned with the conventional impression of Indians from movies and television. He never showed them a real picture because he knew the reality of his grandfather—an old, frail man who was not tall and stately, whose hair was in stringy gray strands instead of braids, and who lived in a simple shack—did not match the stupendous image he had built. When Grandpa arrived in their Iowa neighborhood looking out of place in his rumpled suit and old hat, Martin was so ashamed and embarrassed he felt he could have died. His primary fear was that his friends would see the real Grandpa, discover his stories were lies, and laugh at him, thus threatening his modern identity and popularity.
Yes, Martin was able to dispel these fears later in the story. The turning point occurred when his friends, against his wishes, came to his house to meet his grandfather. Martin was afraid they would laugh, but the opposite happened. Grandpa, being perceptive and understanding, had dressed in his best clothes, including a fringed leather vest and beaded moccasins, and greeted the boys formally. Instead of mocking him, Martin’s friends were in awe. They were fascinated by his grandfather, listened respectfully to his stories, and told Martin afterward that his grandpa was “really great.”
This event changed Martin’s perspective entirely. He was amazed at how respectfully his friends treated his grandfather and, for the first time, felt proud of him. The genuine admiration from his friends dispelled his fear of being ridiculed and allowed him to see his grandfather not as a source of embarrassment, but as a figure of respect and pride. From that day onwards, Martin began to see his grandfather in a different light, which marked the beginning of his journey toward accepting his heritage.
2. Describe Martin’s relationship with his Grandpa. How did it change over the course of the story?
Answer: At the beginning of the story, Martin’s relationship with his grandfather is characterized by a mixture of love and embarrassment, reflecting a generational and cultural gap. Martin and his sister visited their great-grandfather on the Rosebud Reservation every summer, and Martin clearly held affection for him. However, as a modern teenager with a mixed identity, he was also ashamed of his grandfather’s authentic Native American reality, which did not align with the glamorous, stereotypical image he presented to his friends. This internal conflict is evident in his refusal to show his friends a real picture of Grandpa and his profound embarrassment when Grandpa unexpectedly arrives in Iowa. His initial reaction is one of panic and a desire to hide his grandfather, and he is horrified at the thought of having to accept the “shabby medicine bag.”
Over the course of the story, Martin’s relationship with his grandfather undergoes a significant transformation, moving from shame to proud acceptance. The first major change occurs when Martin’s friends meet Grandpa and react with awe and respect, which makes Martin feel proud instead of embarrassed. This event allows Martin to see his grandfather through new eyes. The relationship deepens further when Grandpa shares the sacred story of the medicine bag, explaining its history and significance as a family legacy passed down through generations of male heirs. This narrative connects Martin to his ancestry and helps him understand the importance of his cultural inheritance.
By the end of the story, Martin’s fear and reluctance have been replaced by a sense of responsibility and love. When Grandpa hands him the medicine bag, Martin accepts it not as a burden, but as an honor. The final act of the story, where Martin stands on the prairie of the reservation after his grandfather’s death and places the sacred sage in the bag, symbolizes the complete transformation of their relationship. Martin has fully accepted his role as the keeper of his family’s legacy, and his relationship with his grandfather has evolved into one of deep respect, understanding, and proud continuation of his heritage.
3. Do you consider ‘The Medicine Bag’ as an appropriate title for the story by Virginia Drive Hawk Sneve? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, I consider ‘The Medicine Bag’ to be a highly appropriate title for the story. The title is suggestive, hinting at a deeper meaning beyond a simple bag of medicine, and it perfectly encapsulates the story’s central focus.
The medicine bag is the most important symbol in the narrative, representing the family’s legacy, culture, tradition, and values. It is a spiritual talisman that connects the generations. The bag’s origin story, tied to the great-great-grandfather’s vision quest and his discovery of a piece of a white man’s iron kettle, is the foundation of the family’s history and even their name, Iron Shell. This heirloom is meant to be passed from father to son, and the entire plot is set in motion by this tradition.
Grandpa’s difficult journey from the reservation to Iowa is driven by his duty to pass the medicine bag to Martin, his only male heir, because he feels his death is approaching. Martin’s internal conflict and character development are also centered around the bag. Initially, he is horrified by the “dirty leather pouch” and fears the ridicule it might bring, which reflects his rejection of his own heritage. However, as he learns its history, his perspective shifts. The climax of the story is the moment he accepts the bag from his grandfather. This act signifies his coming-of-age and his honorable acceptance of his identity and responsibilities. The story concludes with Martin on the reservation, completing the ritual by placing sacred sage in the bag, thus confirming his commitment to his legacy. Because the medicine bag is the catalyst for the plot, the symbol of the central theme, and the measure of the protagonist’s growth, the title is perfectly justified.
4. Explain with reference to the text of the story, ‘The Medicine Bag’, the central theme of the story.
Answer: The central theme of ‘The Medicine Bag’ is the journey of a young person coming to terms with and accepting their cultural heritage, particularly in the context of generational differences and the conflict between tradition and modern life. This theme is explored through the concepts of reality versus fiction and generational conflict.
The theme of reality versus fiction is established at the beginning of the story. Martin, the narrator, creates a “stupendous” and unrealistic image of his Sioux grandfather for his friends, based on movie portrayals of Native Americans. He fears the reality of his grandfather, who is an ordinary old man, and is ashamed of it. This conflict between the fictional image and the authentic person drives Martin’s initial fear and embarrassment. The theme is resolved when Martin’s friends meet the real Grandpa and are genuinely impressed by his dignity and stories, proving that authenticity holds more value than the commercialized fiction Martin had relied on.
This connects to the theme of generational conflict, which is depicted through the three generations in the story. The great-grandfather, Joe Iron Shell, represents the old ways and Sioux traditions. He lives on the reservation and is committed to passing on his family’s legacy. Martin’s parents represent a more modern, assimilated lifestyle. Martin himself is caught in the middle, belonging to a third generation that is part of a modern, urban world but is also the heir to an ancient tradition. His initial embarrassment at his grandfather’s appearance and ways highlights this gap. The medicine bag itself is the focal point of this conflict; Martin’s initial reluctance to accept it symbolizes his struggle with his identity. The story shows how understanding and communication can bridge this generational divide. When Grandpa shares the history of the bag, he passes on not just an object but the values and history of their family, allowing Martin to understand and finally embrace his role. Martin’s ultimate acceptance of the bag signifies his reconciliation of the modern and traditional parts of himself and his proud acceptance of his unique heritage.
5. Describe in your own words the characteristic traits of Grandpa.
Answer: Grandpa, Joe Iron Shell, is a man defined by his deep connection to his family and his cultural traditions, as well as his quiet wisdom and perception.
Physically, he is an eighty-six-year-old man who defies the cinematic stereotype of a Native American. He is not tall and stately; rather, he is old and frail, with stringy gray hair that hangs from under his ever-present black hat. His clothing, like his bright satin shirt and beaded bolo tie, reflects his heritage.
He is deeply affectionate and loving toward his family. This is shown in the handcrafted gifts he made for his great-grandchildren, Martin and Cheryl, and in his arduous two-and-a-half-day bus journey to Iowa, which he undertook because he was lonely and wanted to be with his only descendants before he died. He is also a very considerate and realistic man. He understands that his unexpected arrival might make his family feel guilty, so he reassures them that the time was simply right for his visit. Furthermore, he offers the money he saved for his funeral to his daughter-in-law for groceries, so as not to be a burden.
One of his most notable traits is being perceptive and understanding. He immediately senses Martin’s embarrassment and discomfort. When Martin’s friends come to visit, he intuits the situation and dresses in his finest traditional clothing to present a dignified image, helping to turn a moment of potential shame into one of pride for Martin. He also understands Martin’s hesitation about the medicine bag. He alleviates his great-grandson’s fears by explaining the bag’s history and wisely telling him that he need not wear it in the city, but should keep it safe, showing an understanding that traditions must sometimes adapt to new times and places.
Above all, Grandpa is committed to his traditions. He lives on the Rosebud Reservation, maintaining his connection to the Sioux way of life. His final purpose is to fulfill the sacred duty of passing the medicine bag and its history to Martin, his only male heir, ensuring that his family’s culture and legacy will continue.
Extra MCQs
1. Where did Martin and his sister Cheryl visit every summer?
A. New York
B. South Dakota
C. Los Angeles
D. Chicago
Answer: B. South Dakota
2. The narrator and his family lived in:
A. Iowa
B. Dakota
C. Italy
D. India
Answer: A. Iowa
3. What did Cheryl get from Grandpa during one visit?
A. A drum
B. A bag
C. Moccasins
D. A hat
Answer: C. Moccasins
4. They had not shown Grandpa’s picture to their friends because:
A. they were ashamed of him
B. the glorious tales told about him did not match him.
C. they did not have any picture of their Grandpa
D. Mom had asked the children not to show the picture to anyone.
Answer: B. the glorious tales told about him did not match him.
5. When Grandpa came to visit Martin’s family, Martin:
A. was very happy
B. could not recognize him
C. felt ashamed and embarrassed
D. went out to tell his friends
Answer: C. felt ashamed and embarrassed
6. Grandpa carried with him:
A. a tin suit case
B. a gold chain
C. a beautiful toy for Martin’s sister
D. a medicine bag
Answer: A. a tin suit case
7. How did Martin help Grandpa when he first arrived?
A. He took his suitcase
B. He told his friends about him
C. He guided him home
D. He called his mother
Answer: C. He guided him home
8. The Grandpa’s get up and appearance:
A. was out of place in Iowa
B. did not look impressive and royal
C. was quite natural at Martin’s place
D. was disliked by all
Answer: A. was out of place in Iowa
9. What did Grandpa have hidden in his boots?
A. Money
B. Medicine
C. Keys
D. Tobacco
Answer: A. Money
10. How much money did Grandpa have saved in his boots?
A. $50
B. $100
C. $500
D. $1000
Answer: B. $100
11. Grandpa had saved the money:
A. for Martin’s education
B. to buy sweets for the children
C. to donate
D. for his own funeral
Answer: D. for his own funeral
12. Martin’s Dad felt sorry as:
A. he had not gone to receive the old man
B. he had not recognised Grandpa
C. he had not helped the old man
D. he had not thought of bringing Grandpa with them
Answer: D. he had not thought of bringing Grandpa with them
13. The old man said that it was time for Martin to have the medicine bag:
A. he wanted to pass on the bag to the oldest male child
B. as Martin was ready to keep it
C. because grandpa thought that he was going to die
D. Both (a) and (c)
Answer: D. Both (a) and (c)
14. What was inside Grandpa’s medicine bag?
A. Herbs and medicine
B. Money and keys
C. A shell and a pebble
D. Tobacco and string
Answer: C. A shell and a pebble
15. Who was Iron Shell?
A. Martin’s friend
B. Grandpa’s enemy
C. Grandpa’s father
D. A story character
Answer: C. Grandpa’s father
16. Why did Iron Shell go on a vision quest?
A. To find a spirit guide
B. To become a warrior
C. To leave the reservation
D. To find a wife
Answer: A. To find a spirit guide
17. What did Iron Shell find during his vision quest?
A. An eagle feather
B. A piece of iron
C. A bear claw
D. Tobacco
Answer: B. A piece of iron
18. Why did Iron Shell’s dream confuse him at first?
A. He disliked iron
B. Iron belonged to enemies
C. He wanted guidance, not objects
D. He didn’t know what it meant
Answer: B. Iron belonged to enemies
19. How did Iron Shell learn the meaning of his vision?
A. His wisdom increased
B. He found an iron kettle
C. He became a warrior
D. He married
Answer: B. He found an iron kettle
20. What happened to Iron Shell after his vision quest?
A. He became a chief
B. He moved away
C. He was sent to boarding school
D. He had a son
Answer: C. He was sent to boarding school
21. How did boarding school help Iron Shell understand his vision?
A. He learned about iron
B. He became a warrior
C. He reconnected with his culture
D. He married
Answer: A. He learned about iron
22. Who did Iron Shell give his medicine bag to?
A. His son
B. His wife
C. Grandpa
D. A warrior
Answer: C. Grandpa
23. What did Grandpa add to the medicine bag before giving it to Martin?
A. Tobacco
B. Sage
C. Sweetgrass
D. Nothing
Answer: B. Sage
24. Where did Martin finally wear the medicine bag?
A. At school
B. At home
C. On the reservation
D. Nowhere
Answer: C. On the reservation
25. How does Grandpa dress when he knows Martin’s friends are coming to visit?
A. In old clothes
B. In pajamas
C. In formal tribal clothing
D. In a suit and tie
Answer: C. In formal tribal clothing
26. How do Martin’s friends react upon meeting Grandpa?
A. They laugh at him
B. They ignore him
C. They are scared of him
D. They are impressed by him
Answer: D. They are impressed by him
27. What is the overall message of the story?
A. Appreciate your elders
B. Modern life is better
C. Respect cultural heritage
D. Let go of old traditions
Answer: C. Respect cultural heritage
Extra questions and answers
1. Where did the narrator Martin and his sister live?
Answer: Martin and his sister Cheryl lived in Iowa with their parents.
2. How often did Martin and Cheryl visit their grandfather?
Answer: Martin and Cheryl visited their grandfather every summer on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
3. What did Martin’s friends know about Native Americans?
Answer: Martin’s friends who lived in the city only knew about Native Americans from movies and TV shows.
4. Why didn’t Martin show his friends a photo of his grandfather?
Answer: Martin didn’t show his friends a photo of his grandfather because the grandfather didn’t look like the tall, stately Native Americans on TV.
5. How did the grandfather travel to visit Martin and his family?
Answer: The grandfather travelled by bus for two and a half days to get from South Dakota to Iowa to visit Martin’s family.
6. What did Martin find stuffed in his grandfather’s boots?
Answer: Martin found that his grandfather’s boots were stuffed with the $100 he had saved for his funeral expenses.
7. Why did the grandfather say it was time for Martin to have the medicine bag?
Answer: The grandfather said it was time for Martin to have the medicine bag because he believed he was going to die soon.
8. What was inside the medicine bag?
Answer: Inside the medicine bag was a piece of iron, a pebble, and some sacred sage.
9. Who was Iron Shell?
Answer: Iron Shell was the grandfather’s father who had passed down the medicine bag to him.
10. What did Iron Shell see in his sacred vision quest?
Answer: In his vision quest, Iron Shell saw a piece of the white man’s iron which he did not understand at the time.
11. How did Iron Shell get his name?
Answer: Iron Shell got his name from the wise old men after he told them about his vision quest involving the white man’s iron.
12. What happened when Iron Shell was taken to a boarding school?
Answer: At the boarding school, Iron Shell learned and worked as a blacksmith, realizing this was the meaning of his vision.
13. Who did Iron Shell pass the medicine bag down to?
Answer: Iron Shell passed the medicine bag down to his son, the grandfather.
14. What did Martin add to the medicine bag after his grandfather died?
Answer: After his grandfather died, Martin added a piece of sacred prairie sage to the medicine bag.
15. Where did Martin’s family take his grandfather after he died?
Answer: Martin’s family took his grandfather back to the Rosebud Reservation for burial after he died.
16. Why does Martin feel embarrassed when his grandfather comes to visit him?
Answer: Martin feels embarrassed because he had exaggerated stories about his grandfather to his friends, depicting him as a tall, impressive figure living a glamorous life. However, in reality his grandfather is an old, frail man living in a run-down shack on the reservation. Martin worries his friends will laugh at the contrast between his stories and the real man.
17. What is the significance of the medicine bag that Grandpa passes on to Martin?
Answer: The medicine bag, passed down through generations from Iron Shell, symbolizes the family’s Native American heritage and connection to the past. It represents the preservation of their culture and traditions. By giving Martin the bag, Grandpa ensures their heritage will continue through him.
18. How does Grandpa show wisdom and dignity despite his age and frailty?
Answer: Though old and weak, Grandpa carries himself with quiet wisdom and grace. He intuitively knows the right time for events to occur and handles social situations with dignity. His patience in telling stories and explanations show his wisdom. Despite his frail health on the journey to visit, he perseveres.
19. How does Martin’s family show kindness, respect and responsibility toward Grandpa?
Answer: They immediately help Grandpa when he faints, aiding him indoors and calling a doctor. They speak to him formally, respecting his age and station. The father apologizes for not thinking to bring Grandpa to visit them, taking responsibility, and they use Grandpa’s money for his care, not themselves. Overall they are patient, sympathetic caretakers.
20. Why is “The Medicine Bag” an appropriate title for this story?
Answer: The medicine bag is the central symbol of the story, representing Native American cultural heritage. Grandpa’s purpose in visiting is to pass this bag down to Martin, ensuring the preservation of their traditions. The second half of the story exploring the bag’s history underscores its importance. So the bag’s role in linking generations makes “The Medicine Bag” a fitting title.
21. How does the protagonist’s perception of his grandfather change throughout the story, and what events contribute to this change?
Answer: The protagonist’s perception of his grandfather shifts from embarrassment to pride and respect. Initially, he feels ashamed of his grandfather’s appearance and cultural differences, fearing ridicule from his peers. However, this changes as he observes his grandfather’s dignity, storytelling ability, and the respect he commands from others. Key events contributing to this change include witnessing his grandfather’s interaction with neighborhood children, the sharing of cultural stories, and the solemn ceremony of passing the medicine bag, which reveals the depth of his heritage and grandfather’s wisdom.
22. How does the character of Cheryl contrast with her brother, the protagonist, in their attitudes towards their grandfather?
Answer: Cheryl’s character contrasts with her brother’s through her uninhibited acceptance and pride in their grandfather. Unlike the protagonist, who initially feels embarrassed and conflicted about his grandfather’s traditional appearance and customs, Cheryl shows no such reservations. She openly embraces and is proud of her heritage, evident in her eagerness to introduce her friends to their grandfather. This contrast highlights the varying responses to cultural heritage within the same family, and Cheryl’s attitude helps in shifting her brother’s perspective.
23. Discuss the significance of the protagonist’s internal conflict regarding his identity. How does this conflict drive the narrative?
Answer: The protagonist’s internal conflict regarding his identity is a driving force in the narrative. This conflict, rooted in his struggle to balance his urban American lifestyle with his Sioux heritage, shapes his character development. Initially, this conflict manifests in his embarrassment about his grandfather, but as the story unfolds, he begins to understand and appreciate the depth and richness of his heritage. The resolution of this conflict, symbolized by his acceptance of the medicine bag, signifies his journey towards self-acceptance and cultural pride.
24. What does the narrator say about his description of the Grandpa and the place he lived in?
Answer: The narrator, Martin, admits to having exaggerated his descriptions of both his Grandpa and the place he lived. Martin, who lives in the city, created an idealized and embellished version of his Grandpa and the Rosebud Reservation, portraying them in a glamorous, almost mythical light to impress his friends.
25. Describe the things Martin got from Grandpa during one of his visits.
Answer: During one of his visits, Grandpa gave Martin various items that held cultural and familial significance. These included a pair of moccasins, which are traditional Native American footwear, and a peace pipe, which is a symbol of peace and an important element in Native American culture. These gifts were a way for Grandpa to share his heritage with Martin.
26. Give some details about Grandpa’s appearance that the narrator provides.
Answer: The narrator provides vivid details about Grandpa’s appearance, highlighting his traditional Native American attire. Grandpa wore a tall, black hat adorned with a feather, which is a significant symbol in many Native American cultures. His suit was black and rumpled, giving him a distinctive and somewhat out-of-place look in Martin’s suburban neighbourhood.
27. Under what circumstances did the narrator go to his grandpa in the street and guide him to his house?
Answer: The narrator, Martin, went to his grandpa in the street under unexpected and somewhat embarrassing circumstances. Grandpa had arrived unannounced at Martin’s suburban home, creating a scene in the street. Martin, feeling a mix of shame and surprise, had to navigate his internal conflict about his cultural identity and public image as he guided his grandpa to his house.
28. What happened when the narrator’s friends met Grandpa?
Answer: When the narrator’s friends unexpectedly met Grandpa, the encounter turned out to be a positive and transformative experience for Martin. Despite his initial apprehensions, Martin’s friends were respectful and impressed by Grandpa. This interaction significantly changed Martin’s perspective, helping him appreciate his heritage and Grandpa’s significance in his life.
29. Give an account of Grandpa’s journey from Dakota to Iowa.
Answer: Grandpa’s journey from Dakota to Iowa was a challenging and significant trip. He travelled a long distance, facing difficulties along the way. Despite these challenges, Grandpa was determined to reach Martin’s family in Iowa. His journey was a testament to his resilience and the importance he placed on connecting with his family and passing on his cultural heritage.
30. How and what did the narrator find in Grandpa’s boots?
Answer: The narrator, Martin, discovered money stuffed in Grandpa’s boots. This discovery was unexpected and revealed a poignant aspect of Grandpa’s character and situation. The money saved by Grandpa for his funeral expenses symbolised his practicality, foresight, and the sacrifices he made for his family.
31. What does Grandpa say about the money he has saved?
Answer: Grandpa explained that the money he had saved, which was found in his boots, was intended for his funeral expenses. However, he insisted that the family use the money for their needs instead. This gesture highlighted Grandpa’s selflessness and his desire not to be a burden on his family, reflecting his deep care and consideration for them.
32. How did Martin feel when Grandpa told him that he was to hand over the medicine bag to him?
Answer: When Grandpa told Martin that he was to hand over the medicine bag to him, Martin felt a mix of shock, apprehension, and responsibility. The medicine bag was a symbol of his heritage and family’s past, and its transfer represented a significant cultural and familial rite of passage. Martin’s initial reluctance gradually turned into acceptance and pride in his heritage.
33. What did Grandpa carry in the leather pouch around his neck?
Answer: Grandpa carried a unique and culturally significant item in the leather pouch around his neck: a shell of iron. This item was not only a family heirloom but also a symbol of his Native American culture and traditions. The Iron Shell held deep spiritual and historical significance, representing the enduring legacy of Grandpa’s ancestry and the heritage he wished to pass on to Martin.
34. Explain the reason of Martin’s feeling upset upon finding his grandpa there near his house.
Answer: Martin is upset when he finds his grandpa near his house because he feels embarrassed by his grandfather’s appearance and behaviour. Martin has portrayed a glorified image of his grandfather to his friends, and he fears that the real appearance and behaviour of his grandfather, who does not conform to the stereotypes often shown on television, will disappoint his friends and damage his own reputation among them.
35. How does the narrator describe the commotion in the street at the time of Grandpa’s arrival there?
Answer: The narrator describes the commotion in the street during Grandpa’s arrival as a noisy and confusing situation. This commotion is caused by the unusual appearance of Grandpa, which attracts attention and perhaps causes a disturbance among the people in the neighborhood. This scene emphasises the cultural and generational contrasts between Grandpa and the more modern, urban environment he enters.
36. What happens before Grandpa is taken to the bed?
Answer: Before Grandpa is taken to bed, he experiences a moment of weakness and requires assistance. This incident reveals his frailty and possibly the exhaustion from his journey. It is a moment that underscores the vulnerability of Grandpa and perhaps initiates a change in Martin’s perception of him, leading to a deeper understanding and respect for his grandfather.
37. Give an account of Grandpa’s journey from Dakota to the narrator’s house.
Answer: Grandpa’s journey from Dakota to the narrator’s house is depicted as a challenging and arduous trip. He travels a long distance, reflecting his determination and commitment to visit his family. This journey symbolises the bridging of cultural and generational gaps as Grandpa brings with him the traditions and values of his Native American heritage to his family living in a different cultural environment.
38. Why does Grandpa want to give the medicine bag to Martin? What is Martin’s reaction to learning this?
Answer: Grandpa wants to give the medicine bag to Martin as it symbolises the passing down of cultural heritage and family traditions. The medicine bag holds significant emotional and cultural value, representing a connection to their Native American roots. Martin’s initial reaction is one of shock and reluctance, as he feels unprepared and hesitant to carry this significant symbol of his heritage. However, this eventually turns into acceptance and pride as he understands its importance.
39. Give a description of Grandpa’s outlook and behaviour after Martin’s friend Hank tells him about his brother’s meeting with the old man.
Answer: After Martin’s friend Hank mentions his brother’s meeting with Grandpa, Grandpa’s outlook and behaviour demonstrate a mix of dignity, cultural pride, and wisdom. He is portrayed as someone who, despite his old age and different cultural background, understands how to adapt and interact respectfully with the younger generation. This interaction highlights Grandpa’s ability to bridge the cultural divide and positively influence Martin’s friends.
40. Explain the vision quest of Grandpa’s father.
Answer: The vision quest of Grandpa’s father is a significant cultural and spiritual journey, fundamental to Native American traditions. During this quest, he seeks spiritual guidance and a deeper connection with nature and his cultural roots. This quest is symbolic of the search for personal and cultural identity, and it plays a crucial role in the transfer of traditions and values within Grandpa’s family.
41. Write a note on Iron Shell’s life.
Answer: Iron Shell, an important figure in the story, led a life deeply rooted in Native American culture and traditions. His life represents the perseverance and strength of character necessary to maintain cultural integrity and heritage. Iron Shell’s experiences, particularly his vision quest and the creation of the medicine bag, are pivotal in preserving and passing down the family’s traditions and values to future generations. His life story is a testament to the importance of cultural heritage and identity.
The long answers are very short….ISC board examination asks for about 200-250 words….