Richard Wagamese Medicine Walk Sparknotes

While reading chunk two covering chapters nine to eighteen of “Medicine Walk’ by Richard Wagamese, I’ve started to notice that it can be critiqued by various schools of critical theory. The two that resonate with the story are Freudian, Psychoanalytic Criticism and Postcolonial Criticism. The “Medicine Walk” relates to Freudian or Psychoanalytic Criticism through its characters, and to Post Colonial by addressing the impact of colonialism on Indigenous identity and culture. One example of the Freudian or Psychoanalytic criticism is how Eldon Starlight suppresses his feelings in an unhealthy way. He is an alcoholic and drinks away his feelings of guilt and regret regarding his failures as a father and his role in the death of Frank's mother.
Like Eldon, Wagamese faced challenges related to his Indigenous heritage and personal history, including abandonment and addiction. These themes reveal the intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities. Wagamese’s struggles are seen through the character of Eldon, and it is his attempt at making sense of his own life experiences through his writing.

Furthermore, the characters and conflicts from the story reveal deep psychological truths. One example is Eldon gradually confessing his life stories to Frank, highlighting that repressing emotions and unacknowledged guilt can cause long-term suffering. The father-son relationship between Eldon and Franklin emphasizes the psychological need for forgiveness and understanding. It shows that true healing can only happen when one faces their inner truths. These examples reflect the deep psychological truths in the novel and how reconciliation comes through facing and not fleeing our deepest fears and
Frank’s connection to the land and his survival skills that the old man Bunky taught him challenge the stereotype of Indigenous people as being disconnected from modern life. Instead, Wagamese presents these skills as strengths. Also, Eldon’s complex character challenges the stereotype of Indigenous men as irreversibly troublesome, as he shows growth and redemption during his medicine walk journey. Another example is the traditional burial Eldon wanted for himself, portrayed as a powerful act of cultural affirmation and personal healing. By providing a positive representation of Indigenous life, Wagamese counters common stereotypes and celebrates the richness of Indigenous