Detailed Analysis: Medicine River - Key Questions and Answers

This assignment provides a detailed analysis of the novel Medicine River, addressing specific questions related to the plot, characters, and themes. The analysis explores connections between different storylines, such as the shift from flashbacks to the main narrative in Chapter 2, and the significance of symbolism, like the jacket in Chapter 14. It examines character relationships, including the foil characters Joe and Harlen in Chapter 11, and delves into the implications of cultural identity, particularly the derogatory connotation of being called an "apple" by Big John Yellow Rabbit. The assignment also speculates on the potential future relationship between Will and Louise and compares and contrasts the main storyline with the counterpoint in Chapter 18, focusing on family and indigenous identity. This analysis provides valuable insights into the novel's complexities and offers a comprehensive understanding of its key elements.

Running head: ANALYSIS OF MEDICINE RIVER
ANALYSIS OF MEDICINE RIVER
Name of the Student
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Author note

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1. When Will switches to another story in a chapter, there is typically a connection, an
association between words or ideas that makes it seem natural enough for the shift in
thinking to occur in his mind. For the shift from a flashback back to the main storyline
on page 13 in Chapter 2, describe what connects the stories.
The connection between the stories is the game of basketball. Will is left with the feeling of
lack of confidence as well as embarrassment of being forty and playing amongst a group of
teenagers. The flashback typically describes the memories associated with Will when he was
young. In the present context, these memories serve as the connection between a younger
Will and an older Will, whose past memories with playing basketball force him to reconsider
his present decision.
2. On page 47 and 48, Big John Yellow Rabbit says, “Nobody calls me an apple.” Why
would he find it so offensive to be called an apple?
An apple is typically red on the outside and white on the inside. In Indian communities
calling someone an apple holds a derogatory connotation, indicating that the person is not
loyal to his own community but instead is loyal to the white folk. Naturally, Big John Yellow
Rabbit would find being called an apple quite offensive as it directly indicates that he is not a
loyal Indian and prefers White people, their actions and their ideologies over his native
culture.
3. In Chapter 8, how is the counterpoint storyline linked to previous stories in Medicine
River?
The counterpoint storyline in chapter 8 links a variety of aspects of Will’s life from the past
chapters. Chapter 8 explores Will and Harlen travelling in the car and talking about a variety

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of aspects from each other’s life, particularly Will’s. This becomes a culmination point for
Will’s past as well as the present, in terms of his identity, his relationships and his profession.
4. Name any two characters who are foils for each other in Chapter 11, and briefly
explain one way in which a particular foil brings out a significant quality of the other
character.
The most obvious identification of two characters who could be spoils for each other in the
chapter are Joe and Harlen. They are brothers with Joe being the senior at twelve years older
than Harlen. Joe is a much outgoing person who likes to drink, smoke and make merry.
Harlen in comparison with Joe is a much more reserved person. Furthermore, Harlen clearly
tells Will about how his brother has always been different from him, being twelve years older
and doing things that were different from Harlen.
5. On page 159, (Chapter 14) Harlen says, “Some of the boys don’t like him. Ray figures
David likes to show off. Those two almost got into a fight at the American a few weeks
back. Things would be easier if he didn’t wear that jacket all the time.” What device is
the narrator using by including this comment, and how is it effective?
The narrative device that the author employs here is that of symbolism. The Jacket which
belongs to David Plume is a symbol for the American Indian Movement (AIM). David was a
proud proponent of indigenous rights. Quite naturally the jacket would be a symbol for both
freedom and rights for the indigenous people as well as discord between the indigenous and
those against indigenous rights. Putting this idea forward is where the use of the device has
been the most effective.

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6. In Chapter 16, Will appears to have the chance to move in with Louise but does not
act. Imagine a sequel to the novel, a second cycle of stories called Medicine River II.
What sort of future relationship would Will and Louise have in the sequel? In your
answer, briefly explain why you think so.
If I have to imagine a sequel to the novel which has a focus on Will and Louise’s future
relationship, I believe the relationship would be highly focussed on Will trying to be a father
to Lousie’s daughter. I believe so because belonging to mixed racial identity and not really
knowing his father, Will would want Louise’s daughter to have something that he never had.
Besides he would also want to experience fatherhood as he would have liked his father to
experience with him.
7. In Chapter 18, how are the main storyline and the counterpoint similar, and how are
they different?
The part where the main storyline coincides with the counterpoint is regarding the aspect of
indigenous identity. Will, despite being of mixed racial identity feels more closely connected
with the indigenous people and identifies himself as one of their own. David Plume, did so as
well, but in the end his symbolism for the indigenous rights, the jacket, ended up becoming
his doom. However, the aspect where the storyline differs from the counterpoint is with
respect to family. David’s end is a loss for his family whereas Will is on his way to start a
new one.