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Analyzing The Wheetigo's Lessons In 'Bad Cree'

969 Words4 Pages

Grief is an inevitable part of life, often presented as an unconquerable obstacle in times of vulnerability. However, life, through many of its lessons, has taught us that it can indeed be overcome. In Bad Cree, an Indigenous supernatural novel by Jessica Johns, the Wheetigo serves as a twisted teacher to protagonist Mackenzie, ultimately guiding her to face grief with her loved ones and understand the impact it’s had on her. These lessons, equally applicable to those in all walks of life, highlight and cement Wheetigo’s role as a profound teacher. This essay analyzes the Wheetigo’s lessons in Bad Cree, its methods, scope, and Mackenzie’s application of these lessons, evaluating the Wheetigo’s effectiveness, both as a teacher and as a trickster. Firstly, through illusions, dreams, and isolation, the Wheetigo exposes …show more content…

One significant experience occurs when Mackenzie contacts her friend, Joli, for support but is cut off by a supernatural power. After asking her family about the issue, Mackenzie realized that the same power was being used in all forms of technological contact. Upon inquiring about the issue, Auntie Verna reveals this to be the Wheetigo’s doing, emphasizing how it can sever connections with loved ones, causing more sorrow: “Might be why it tried to isolate you, Mack. Even cut you off from talking to Joli” (Johns 145). Through this incident, Mackenzie was able to realize that grief can permeate multiple aspects of her life, including the Wheetigo’s ploys to isolate her from those that care about her. Conversely, the Wheetigo also teaches Mackenzie the importance of confronting grief

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