Discussion Topic
Conflicts in "Saint Marie" and "The Beads" from Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
Summary:
The conflicts in "Saint Marie" and "The Beads" from Love Medicine revolve around identity and cultural struggle. In "Saint Marie," the protagonist faces internal conflict with her Native American identity and external conflict with the oppressive Catholic convent. In "The Beads," the conflict centers on family dynamics and the clash between traditional Native American values and modern influences.
What is a significant conflict in the "The Beads" chapter of Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich?
A significant conflict from the Love Medicine chapter “The Beads” involves Marie Kashpaw and June Morrissey.
The conflict between Marie and June starts in the first sentence of the section. “I didn’t want June Morrissey when they first brought her to my house,” declares Marie. She already has enough on her plate to deal with—a philandering husband, an antagonistic mother-in-law, and her biological kids. The conflict between the two characters escalates when Gordie and Aurelia try to hang June and Marie interferes. “You damn old bitch,” snaps June. Her language pushes Marie to grab her and wash her mouth out with soap. In a sense, this conflict centers on how much alike the two characters are. “Brave as me, that was June,” admits Marie.
Another conflict involves Rushes Bear—the mother of Marie’s husband, Nector. Rushes Bear is critical of Marie and the life she’s made for herself and her family....
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“She hated all she saw and all we did,” says Marie. Rushes Bear escalates the conflict by throwing pots and hitting the walls when she visits. However, the conflict between the two characters deescalates when Rushes Bear rejects Nector’s money.
What is a conflict presented in "Saint Marie" and "The Beads" from Love Medicine?
In Love Medicine, Louise Erdrich presents a number of conflicts and types of conflicts. Let's look at specific scenes in “Saint Marie” and “The Beads” to help you get started on this assignment.
In “Saint Marie,” you might write about the conflict between Marie and Sister Leopolda. Think about why this conflict arises and how Marie handles it. Also, consider what it teaches Marie about human nature and the corrupting potential of religion. Think about how this conflict is significant, and reflect on anything that might connect you personally with the story. Perhaps you have, at some time, lost confidence in a person whom you once admired. If so, you can certainly relate to Marie's experience.
In “The Beads,” there are conflicts on several levels. You might choose to discuss the conflict between Marie and Nector and how it affects their marriage. You may also decide to focus on the conflict between Marie and herself as she struggles to raise her children and her niece. If you choose this conflict, you could focus on Marie's struggles with prayer and what the beads symbolize to her. Alternately, you might select the conflict between Marie and Rushes Bear. Look at the reasons for that rivalry and how it turns out. There are several elements in this story that might relate to you as a reader. Perhaps you have had difficult relationships with people or have struggled against yourself over something.