M&S Chapter 5
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Chapter Five
1. When was Lilian Benojee buried and where?
Lilian Benojee was buried three days after the reunion with the stranger, and her burial took place beside her husband
Leonard. The exact date of the burial is not provided in the information provided.
2. Describe here funeral: where, how many people (why?);
At Lilian Benojee’s funeral it was described that the whole village was present for the ceremony as they mentioned “The
church was filled to capacity.” This is because Lilian was the “friend” type who makes a lot of friends, or conversely along
with a lot of enemies.
As Marissa described, Lilian despite not being relative LIlian was there to lend a shoulder for her to
cry on, as she is empathetic and the idea of losing her own son had sent chills down Liliains spine so she showed up to
support Marissa until she was strong enough, even lillian was the one who organized most of the child’s funeral. Even after
the ceremony the whole community stayed and even
moved in a surge toward the graveyard. Alongside the whole
community was the rest of her family members, as they led Several hundred others respectfully behind.
a. Sammy Aandeg – why do you think he is mentioned by name?
The mention of Sammy Aangdef's name at Lillians Banerjee's funeral carries a weight of surprise and curiosity. A detailed
portrayal of his physical and emotional state paints a poignant picture of an old and broken man, battling the effects of a
challenging past marked by residential living and alcohol addiction. The narrator expresses a sense of astonishment at
Sammy's unexpected attendance, given his difficult circumstances. Due to his terrible state and alcohol addiction it was
surprising to see his representation and to see that he’d managed to throw himself together and make it to this funeral. As a
result his present was out of the blue which might be a reason why his name was mentioned. The choice to include Sammy
Aangdef's name suggests a potential connection to the deceased, hinting at a history or relationship that may unfold as the
narrative progresses. This deliberate inclusion of his character adds layers to the storytelling, inviting readers to empathize
with the complexities of human experience and relationships, and perhaps foreshadowing further developments in the plot.
b. How was Lillian remembered?
Lillian was remembered in many ways, each reflection converging into a tribute to her greatness. For some, she represented
the source of life itself, perhaps as a biological parent whose connection was marred by a lack of emotional support, fostering
feelings of resentment and estrangement. Alternatively, others acknowledged her as a savior during their darkest moments,
someone on whom they depended for survival. Song with those who regretted not visiting more often, a realization of the
profound impact Lillian had on their lives, prompting a desire for greater connection. Simultaneously, her passing was
mourned as the symbolic end of an era—a generation, a repository of cultural knowledge, and an embodiment of an
Aboriginal lifestyle on the brink of extinction. Recognizing that individuals like Lillian were a precious few, her death
signified not only a personal loss but also the fading of cultural richness and indigenous identity, as she held the unique
experience and wisdom needed to pass it on. In her remembrance, the community grappled with the irreplaceable void left by
her departure.
3. Why is Virgil “
too distracted to listen”
(48) to the testimonies?
Virgil's distraction from the testimonies was rooted in deep regret over his inability to gather the courage to visit his
grandmother before her passing. The weight of this missed opportunity weighed heavily on him, eclipsing his ability to fully
engage with the spoken tributes. The memory of the kiss between his grandmother and the motorcycle man, witnessed
through the window, added another layer to his emotional state, leaving him in a state of shock. This unexpected scene
intensified Virgil's remorse, perhaps sparking questions and uncertainties about the nature of the relationship between his
grandmother and the mysterious motorcycle man.
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a. What does he remember seeing through the window? (58-60)
In the specified passage (58-60), the individual recalls seeing a scene through the window involving a "handsome blonde
motorcycle man" and his grandmother sharing a kiss. This moment, captured by the observer, suggests a potentially
unexpected or emotionally charged encounter between the grandmother and the motorcycle man.
4. What relationship did Lillian and Maggie have? (60)
Lilian and Maggie's relationship was complicated; they always disagreed on things even when they had lack of importance.
For example, Lilian had urged Maggie to buy Virgil's clothes one size bigger but Maggie objected to doing so as she knew
her own sons hated them as he felt lost wearing them. While Maggie believes she should do what her sons like and Lillian
believes it was what he needed, differentiating “What he likes and what he needs can be two different things.” Following
their fights, Maggie would always be left with a sense of regret believing she should have agreed and done what her mother
had told her to do as she describes “Maggie was awash in regret, sadness and more
than a little bit of guilt”
5. What was the relationship between Maggie and Clifford (her husband); and Virgil and his father? (60-61)
Venn
diagram if you can visualize it. Or any other graphic organizer to share your thoughts.
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Maggie and Clifford:
-
Early Marriage: Maggie loved Clifford during the first few years of their marriage.
-
Changing Dynamics: After half a decade, Clifford became more devoted to his work in the Band Office than to
his family.
-
Dreams for Community: Clifford had dreams for the community and the Anishinaabe nation but seemed to
lack similar aspirations for his family.
-
Tragic Accident: Clifford's death occurred during a fishing trip, leading to a spring funeral.
-
Resumed Routine: The family's normal routine resumed quickly after Clifford's funeral, with Maggie and
Virgil feeling guilt for moving on easily.
-
Negative Feelings: Maggie harbored resentment toward the Band Office and everything it represented,
including the responsibilities that took Clifford away.
-
Possibly Laughing: Maggie imagines Clifford, buried nearby, possibly laughing at her new role as chief.
Virgil and His Father:
Relationships Comparison
Maggie and her Husband
Virgil and his Father
“Virgil had loved
his father, as all
sons
should. Maggie
had loved her
husband…”
Distance
relationship,
routine
interaction,
occasional
argument
Maggie and Clifford:
Early Marriage: Maggie loved Clifford during the first
few years of their marriage.
Changing Dynamics: After half a decade, Clifford
became more devoted to his work in the Band Office
than to his family.
Dreams for Community: Clifford had dreams for the
community and the Anishnawbe nation but seemed to
lack similar aspirations for his family.
Tragic Accident: Clifford's death occurred during a
fishing trip, leading to a spring funeral.
Resumed Routine: The family's normal routine resumed
quickly after Clifford's funeral, with Maggie and Virgil
feeling guilt for moving on easily.
Negative Feelings: Maggie harbored resentment toward
the Band Office and everything it represented,
Clifford became
more devoted to
his work than his
family causing
their relationship
to distance
He was not a big
part of Virgil’s life
Maggie
resented
the Band
Office as
it was the
thing that
took her
husband
away
from her
Clifford had been
somebody Virgil
seen at breakfast
and then just
before bed
Both felt guilty for
moving on to quickly
and resuming normal
routine 2 weeks after
his death “Clifford had
not been part of their
lives for much longer
after his death”.
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-
Love for Father: Virgil loved his father, but the relationship had become distant over time.
-
Limited Emotional Response: Virgil's reaction to his father's death was numb, lacking the intense emotional
response portrayed in movies and television.
-
Routine Interactions: Clifford had become someone Virgil saw at breakfast and just before bed, with
occasional arguments between his parents.
-
Peace and Apprehension: Virgil experienced peace, punctuated by parental arguments. He pays respects to his
dead father twice a year but is apprehensive about his mother being drawn into a similar lifestyle.
6. Does the stranger appear at the funeral? Who sees him? (62)
Yes, the stranger appears at the funeral, and Virgil, Maggie, and Dakota all see him. Virgil first sees the stranger while
thoughts of his father are still in his head. Virgil notices the familiar red-and-white vintage motorcycle parked casually on the
road parallel to the graveyard. The stranger is leaning against the motorcycle. Maggie, Virgil's mother, notices that something
has caught her son's attention. She turns to look as well and sees the stranger. Virgil asks her if anyone ever found out who he
was, and Maggie shakes her head, indicating that they never found out the stranger's identity. Lastly, Across from Virgil,
Dakota also spots the stranger. It is mentioned that everyone else in attendance seems too engrossed in the funeral service to
raise their heads and notice the stranger.
7. What decision does the stranger have to make on page 63?
On page 63, the stranger is faced with a decision about what to do next after saying goodbye to Lillian. The passage mentions
several options that the stranger considers. One option the stranger considers is going back into what had been his life before.
However, the idea doesn't thrill him. In addition, the stranger contemplates the melodramatic option of taking his new
motorcycle and riding off into the sunset. Another option the stranger considers is settling down, setting up shop somewhere,
and living a middle-class Canadian life. He rejects this idea, stating that it's not in his nature to become an "Anish-snob.”
Ultimately, the stranger decides to consider Lillian's last request as a potential purpose. He sees it as an opportunity to enjoy
the company of a pretty woman, specifically Lillian's daughter. This decision brings him a sense of happiness and purpose.
a. What does he do? What is Lillian’s last request?
The text doesn't explicitly state what Lillian's last request is. It mentions that Lillian's last request is complicated, and the
stranger finds it intriguing. However, the specific details of the request are not provided in the provided excerpts. Therefore,
based on the information available, we don't know the exact nature of Lillian's last request.
As for what the stranger decides to do, it seems that he is contemplating accepting Lillian's last request and finding purpose
in it. The passage suggests that he sees it as an opportunity to enjoy the company of Lillian's daughter, describing her
physical features and expressing a sense of happiness and purpose in the decision. The details of his actions following this
decision are not explicitly mentioned in the given text.
b.
For someone like him,
(63) what was the most important thing? Look for examples to support this statement.
For the stranger in the given passage on page 63, the paramount value lies in pursuing activities that are enjoyable, fun, and
interesting. This is evident in his contemplation of various life choices, such as returning to his previous life, riding off into
the sunset, and settling down. Despite the complexity of Lillian's last request, he considers it favorably because it might offer
him a sense of amusement and intrigue. The passage underscores the stranger's prioritization of fun and interesting
experiences, emphasizing that, for someone like him, these qualities trump most other considerations. His decision to explore
Lillian's request, viewing it as an opportunity to enjoy the company of Lillian's daughter, aligns with his inclination towards
pursuits that bring him happiness and purpose. This reveals a central theme in the stranger's character—his preference for a
life that is rich in enjoyment and curiosity, even as he grapples with the complexities of Lillian's final wish.
including the responsibilities that took Clifford away.
Possibly Laughing: Maggie imagines Clifford, buried
nearby, possibly laughing at her new role as chief.
Virgil and His Father:
Love for Father: Virgil loved his father, but the
relationship had become distant over time.
Limited Emotional Response: Virgil's reaction to his
father's death was numb, lacking the intense emotional
response portrayed in movies and television.
Routine Interactions: Clifford had become someone
Virgil saw at breakfast and just before bed, with
occasional arguments between his parents.
Peace and Apprehension: Virgil experienced peace,
punctuated by parental arguments. He pays respects to
his dead father twice a year but is apprehensive about
his mother being drawn into a similar lifestyle.
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8. Why does the stranger befriend Sammy Aandeg? (63-64)
The passage on pages 63-64 suggests that the stranger befriends Sammy Aandeg because he recognizes a shared experience
and connection with him. The stranger observes Sammy standing by himself, and the text indicates that the man understands
Sammy's type, sensing the presence of alcohol and anguish around him. The stranger reflects on his own past experiences,
noting that he had been in a similar situation not long ago. This shared understanding of struggle and possibly a common
language, both literally and metaphorically, seems to be the basis for the stranger's decision to befriend Sammy. The
implication is that the stranger sees potential in Sammy, believing that he could be put to good use, possibly in pursuit of
their shared objectives or interests. The bond formed through their common experiences and challenges likely serves as the
foundation for their developing friendship.
9. Who is Wayne? Where does he live? What do we learn about him at the end of the chapter? (64-65)
Wayne is a thin man who is the son of Lilian and lives on a small island across Otter Lake, not more than seven kilometers
away from the location described in the previous passages. At the end of the chapter (pages 64-65), we learn that Wayne has
been mourning the passing of his mother in his own way, adhering to tradition. He reflects on his decision not to attend his
mother's funeral, stating that he didn't like strangers, even though he probably knew everyone at the funeral. Wayne feels like
a stranger to himself and sits on the shores of the small island, brooding over the years.
Wayne is described as someone who has been living on the island for four years, engaging in training, practicing, and
developing his martial arts skills. While this monastic existence was initially a great idea to refine his philosophy and
technique, his enthusiasm is wearing thin. Wayne expresses a sense of loneliness and a growing desire for things he misses,
such as showers, television, the scent of perfume on a woman's neck, and even ordering pizza. The passage portrays Wayne
as a complex character struggling with isolation and the limitations of his chosen lifestyle.
10. Who is this quote about? What is its significance? “Ten years of living at the residential school. Plus over half a
century
of living with the effects of that school and finding new ways to damage his body . . .”(57 - 58).
The quote "Ten years of living at the residential school. Plus over half a century of living with the effects of that school and
finding new ways to damage his body..." is about Sammy Aandeg. The significance of this quote lies in highlighting the
difficult life Sammy has led, particularly emphasizing the lasting impact of his time in the residential school system. The
description of Sammy's appearance and the challenges he faces, such as the effects on his physical and mental well-being,
paints a vivid picture of the toll that historical traumas, like those experienced in residential schools, can have on individuals
throughout their lives. Despite the hardships, Sammy manages to attend the funeral, showcasing his resilience and
determination to pay his respects despite the adversity he has faced.
11. John agrees to Lillian’s request in this chapter. Read over the following quote. What is his motivation for
agreeing? “There was also, of course, Lillian’s request. It was complicated, but most things with women
were, he
thought. Still, it might be fun” (63).
The provided quote, "There was also, of course, Lillian’s request. It was complicated, but most things with women were,"
suggests that John agrees to Lillian's request because he perceives it as typical for things involving women to be complex or
intricate. Despite the complexity, John seems to find the request intriguing and possibly enjoyable, as he contemplates the
potential for fun and interesting experiences associated with fulfilling Lillian's last wish. The motivation appears to be driven
by a combination of curiosity, a willingness to engage in something different, and a recognition that, for him, the prospect of
fun and interesting activities often takes precedence over the challenges or complications involved.
12. What do you think is Lillian’s request?
Based on the information provided, it is plausible that Lillian's request may be centered around ensuring the happiness and
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well-being of her daughter, Maggie. Observing Maggie's challenges in taking over her deceased husband's job, managing the
responsibilities of the Band Office, and her son experiencing loneliness due to a lack of attention, Lillian might be expressing
a desire for positive changes in Maggie's life. The complexity of the request could be linked to the intricacies of relationships
and personal fulfillment. Additionally, the mention of Maggie's apparent attraction, as observed by the stranger,
suggests that
Lillian's request may involve aspects of companionship or romance for her daughter. While the exact details remain
unspecified in the text, this interpretation aligns with the common theme of characters expressing concerns for the happiness
and prosperity of their loved ones in literature.
Criteria RSL1
& RSL3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Read and demonstrate
an understanding of a
variety of literary,
informational, and
graphic texts from First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit
cultures
Reading with Fluency:
use knowledge of words
and cueing systems to
read fluently
Few answers are
complete and correct
Some answers are
complete and correct
Most answers are
complete and correct
All answers are
thoughtful and correct
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