English Literature Essay (Medicine River by King Thomas)

Suggested Essay Topics

• Length: a minimum of 1000 words
• Follow MLA format exactly; refer to TCWH, Style Sheet, and other pertinent writing handbooks/resources.

DUE DATE:   August 11, 2021

Note: Secondarysource research is mandatory: what this meansyou are required to find at least1 secondary source that is a scholarly journal article/essay. Any other sourcescan be of your own choosing but choose wisely.

Novel Topics:

1.      Harlen Bigbears character is linked toanimals and the natural world.  How doesHarlens closeness to Nature help Will find his place in the community ofMedicine River? Without Harlen, would Will be as successful coming home andback to his culture?

2.      Although Wills father has no real presenceas a character in the novel, we still get to meet him indirectlythrough theletters in the mysterious chest in his mothers closet, and through thefabrications or stories that Will invents and tells other people to explain hisfathers absence in his life.  What isthe role of fatherhood in the novel? How does the role of fatherhood aid inWill finding a sense of purpose and direction in his quest for family andbelongingness? 

3.      Discuss the role sports: what is theimportance of the all-native basketball team?   

4.       Discuss the function of gaming: What is thebone game and what is its function in the novel? 

5.       Most of the characters in the novel haveseemingly peculiar names that identify or link them with animals or objectsfrom the natural world.  What is thesignificance with naming in the novel, and what do you think the authorsstrategy, if any, is in giving his characters unusual names?

6.      The novels narrative structure is a journeyof Will coming home and back to his Indigenous culture. During his decisionto reconcile with his Indigenous roots, certain helpers aid him inrediscovering parts of who he is: discuss. 

7.     Photographyand photographs are prevalent throughout the novel. Photography, as aprofession, encourages Will to be more involved with his Indigenous community:discuss.

8.       Marta Oldcrow and Lionel James appear to bethe only Elder figures in the novel. Discuss how their teachings influenceWill to wanting to become a part of his Indigenous community. 

9.      Willappears to be from two worldshis urban world in Toronto and his rural worldin Medicine River: discuss Wills sense of belonging to both worlds.