M & S Chapters 8&9
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NBE3U07
Motorcycles & Sweetgrass
T
HESE CAN BE JOT NOTES, because you’ll probably need the info for the essay you choose to write.
Chapter Eight
1. Discuss the challenges Maggie experiences in the business of buying land (81-83).
Chief Maggie Second encounters multifaceted challenges in her endeavor to buy land, particularly in the wake of her
mother's funeral. The local non-Native residents express unease, fearing the Native community's attempts to repurchase land
previously claimed by their ancestors. The local municipality introduces hurdles, demanding additional studies on land
capabilities, water resources, and potential issues like power lines. Interestingly, the non-Native sellers of the land faced less
scrutiny, highlighting a disparity in treatment. The public perception adds a layer of complexity, as cottagers view the land
acquisition as a threat. Meanwhile, Maggie grapples with her personal journey, reflecting on her mother's reservations about
her assuming the role of chief. These challenges, encompassing opposition, regulatory complexities, societal perceptions, and
personal introspection, intricately weave into Maggie's responsibilities, making the land acquisition an intricate and
emotionally charged undertaking.
2. How is land viewed by non-Native people and Native people? (83)
For non-Native individuals, land is often viewed as a resource to be owned, utilized, and cultivated. This perception aligns
with a historical and biblical narrative that emphasizes human dominion over nature, framing land as a commodity to be
harnessed for progress and development. In contrast, Native people perceive themselves as an integral part of nature,
emphasizing a profound interconnectedness with the land. This perspective rejects the notion of ownership in the traditional
Western sense, acknowledging a symbiotic relationship with the environment. The clash between these worldviews becomes
pronounced in the context of colonization, where the colonizers' beliefs gradually influence the indigenous population,
leading to a complex negotiation of cultural values and attitudes toward land.
3. Define colonization. Show example. (83)
Colonization refers to the process by which a foreign power establishes control over a territory, often involving the settlement
of that territory by the colonizing power. The purpose of colonization is typically to exploit the region's resources, establish
economic dominance, or exert political control. In the provided text (83), the mention of colonization refers to the historical
and ongoing impact of European colonization on Indigenous peoples. The text suggests that colonization had a profound
influence on the beliefs, philosophies, and ways of life of the colonized people, shaping their perspectives on land and nature.
The example given in the text indicates how the colonizers, in this case, White people, viewed land as something to be owned
and utilized, influenced by cultural and religious beliefs that justified their dominion over nature. In contrast, Native people
saw themselves as part of nature, viewing the land as an interconnected and integral part of their existence. The text implies
that colonization led to a clash of these contrasting perspectives and ways of relating to the land.
4. What kind of Indian was Lilian? (83)
As mentioned in the text, Lilian was described as an "old-fashioned Indian." This term suggests that Lilian held traditional
Indigenous values and practices. Specifically, she instilled in her family a respect for the land, emphasizing a connection to
and reverence for the natural environment.
5. Under what circumstances does Maggie and
the stranger
meet?
Maggie meets the stranger when got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere ten minutes from her home and getting reception was
harder than buying cheap underwear that didn’t ride up. When trying to replace the flat tire with a new one, Maggie
encounters the stranger who happened to be riding down the road. The stranger stopped and offered her some help
6. Who (animal) is following
the stranger
(92)
A sizable raccoon perched on a large oak tree branch was following the stranger. He find four more raccoon surround him but
they one by one disappeared into the greenery
NBE3U07
Motorcycles & Sweetgrass
T
HESE CAN BE JOT NOTES, because you’ll probably need the info for the essay you choose to write.
7. Read over page 90. What is significant about John Tanner?
-
John Tanner offers help to Maggie with her flat tire on page 90.
-
Maggie, initially reluctant, tries to handle it herself.
-
John's willingness to assist demonstrates neighborliness and helpful nature.
-
Despite banter, John's offer shows a positive and supportive side of his character.
-
Sets the stage for a developing connection between Maggie and John.
8. Is it John Tanner (Virgil) or John Richardson (Maggie)?
Again, what’s in a name?
The stranger introduces himself as John Tanner to Virgil but introduces himself as John Richarson to Maggie. In this case, the
stranger may have different names for different interactions or contexts, emphasizing the fluidity or complexity of his
identity. It could also suggest a deliberate choice to reveal certain aspects of himself to different people. The author might be
using this naming strategy to convey layers of meaning, mystery, or the multifaceted nature of the character.
9. What is happening with the raccoons? Read over page 92 and page 100. What is significant about raccoons?
The raccoons in the passage, especially on pages 92 and 100, seem to carry a symbolic significance, representing a long-
standing and bitter feud between John and the raccoons. This animosity is portrayed as a deep-rooted conflict that transcends
time, with the hate "lost in time and memory." The significance lies in the portrayal of this conflict as something more than a
simple disagreement between a man and a group of raccoons. It's described as a feud with a history that has been "lost in
time," suggesting a timeless and unresolved conflict.
The declaration "I hate fucking raccoons" and the mirrored thoughts of
the raccoons further emphasize the intensity and mutual disdain in this peculiar dynamic.
Chapter Nine
1. Who is John Tanner? And who is John Richardson?
John Richardson, as described by Maggie, is portrayed as a friend of her mother who visited to bid farewell. Recognized by
his vintage 1953 Indian Chief motorcycle, John Richardson is seen as a friendly and caring individual who was willing to
assist Maggie with her flat tire. His presence in town suggests a more extended stay. On the other hand, John Tanner is the
name used by the stranger Virgil encountered. This John Tanner revealed his unsettling intention to pursue Maggie, making
Virgil uneasy due to the stranger's sly and mysterious demeanor.
2. How is Maggie thanking John and what is Virgil’s reaction?
In response to John's assistance with the flat tire, Maggie expresses her gratitude by inviting him over for dinner. She
mentions the invitation to Virgil, who reacts with a mix of surprise and concern. Maggie sees it as a gesture of thanks,
highlighting that dinner is a way to appreciate John's help and share a meal together. Virgil, however, is skeptical about the
idea, questioning his mother's decision to invite a relative stranger into their home. The mention of a "good-looking White
guy with two different last names and a motorcycle" adds an element of intrigue and perhaps discomfort for Virgil. As the
conversation unfolds, Virgil's pace of eating quickens, suggesting a subtle tension or unease about the upcoming dinner with
John.
3. What are Maggie’s thoughts about John? (98-99)
In these passages, Maggie experiences a mix of thoughts and emotions about John Richardson. Despite her initial intent to
see the dinner as merely a way to thank him for his help, Maggie finds herself contemplating the nature of her feelings. She
acknowledges that John is young, incredibly good-looking, and muscular, qualities that make her aware of his attractiveness.
Maggie reflects on the stereotype of bad boys riding motorcycles but challenges it, recognizing that riding a motorcycle
NBE3U07
Motorcycles & Sweetgrass
T
HESE CAN BE JOT NOTES, because you’ll probably need the info for the essay you choose to write.
doesn't necessarily make someone a bad boy.Maggie is self-aware, realizing that she, a grown woman, is thinking about this
stranger in a way reminiscent of teenage infatuation. She acknowledges the rarity of her close interactions with men,
especially after her husband's death. The passage highlights Maggie's internal conflict between the practical, rational view of
the dinner as a simple thank-you gesture and the stirrings of something more emotional and romantic.
4. Who is mentioned at the end of the chapter? (100)
At the end of the chapter (100), raccoons are mentioned. The passage describes how the motorcyclist, John Richardson, is
uncomfortable with the presence of raccoons and contemplates the increasing number of raccoons in the area. The raccoons
seem to be gathering, and the passage hints at a sense of foreboding or concern regarding their presence.
5. Read over pages 96 and 97. What does John say about Jesus? Why is this significant? What juxtaposition does
this
reveal?
In the passage, John expresses his thoughts about Jesus while in a church. He contemplates the icon of Jesus on the cross,
examining the details of the representation, including Jesus' wounds and expressions of pain. John questions the significance
of Jesus, wondering why people are drawn to him, considering the hardships and vulnerability portrayed in the imagery. The
juxtaposition here reveals a contrast between John's perspective and the conventional admiration of Jesus. While many see
Jesus as a figure of salvation and endurance, John views him as vulnerable and questions the power he had over Lillian and
others. John, with his own experiences and pride, finds it difficult to comprehend why someone would allow themselves to be
depicted in such a wounded and weakened state. This contrast underscores different perceptions of strength, resilience, and
the meaning of sacrifice between John and the conventional understanding of Jesus.
6. Read over the following quote: “Generally he was a man of impulse, of improvisation. Planning was for those who
feared
surprises, but on occasion some advance forethought made things more amenable to his needs” (99). What
does this
reveal about John? Who is he? What are your impressions of him at this point? Do you think the
characters in the
story should trust him?
The quote "Generally he was a man of impulse, of improvisation. Planning was for those who feared surprises, but on
occasion some advance forethought made things more amenable to his needs" (99) reveals that John Richardson, the
motorcyclist, is characterized by a spontaneous and improvisational nature. He tends to rely on his instincts and prefers not to
plan too much, embracing surprises. However, the statement acknowledges that there are times when he recognizes the value
of some advance forethought for practical reasons. At this point in the story, John appears enigmatic and mysterious. His
unconventional approach to life, coupled with his interest in Maggie and connection to her mother, adds an air of intrigue to
his character. The characters in the story may find him intriguing but might also question whether they can fully trust him,
given his unpredictable and unconventional nature.
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