Nature Vs. Nurture In Medicine Walk By Richard Wagamese

The battle between nature and nurture opens up a hole in a person, leaving them torn, especially when that person is only a child. Are we only as good as our blood, or does our own individual journey determine who we are? In Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese, the difference between nature and nurture is crucial in the development of Frank character. It is evident in Frank's relationships with Eldon and Bunky. We discuss themes of found family and self discovery/healing. When Eldon found out he would be a father, this caused him to spiral, now being in the place of his father before him. Frank, who lacked a maternal figure growing up, has questions about his origins to understand who he is, which is an ongoing problem for Frank. Bunky, who had

nurture. Nature plays a big part in Medicine Walk. The first time we meet Eldon shows us how Frank up until this point has viewed his father; a drunk that sleeps around. Throughout Frank’s childhood, he has had many memories of his father that have left bad impressions. Though Eldon has failed in numerous attempts to be a father to Frank, he still tries because of his obligation to be his father. It’s only when Frank is on his last few breaths, does he finally build up the courage to finally pay it forward to Frank. Frank has been raised by Bunky, an old friend of Eldon’s but no longer. Despite being raised by Bunky and having little to no reason to call Eldon his father, why does Frank agree to help his biological father on his Medicine Walk? Just like many other characters, Frank feels he has an obligation to Eldon because of their blood relation. Eldon and Frank’s blood relation is possibly the only connection the two have prior to their journey to the east. It is in both of their natures that they must seek each other out, despite being so different. Furthermore, Frank also has little knowledge of his family and heritage. Living in such a colonized world, Frank has created his identity out of the pieces he has. The story's settings play a role in

He has Bunky’s determination as well as his strong work ethic, and Eldon’s emotion and feelings. The two narratives clash so harshly with each other, it seems almost impossible that Frank was able to become the man he is. This is where Angie comes into play. Angie acted as a mediator between Eldon and Bunky. She was able to understand them both and help them when they needed her most. Though Frank and Angie never met, he has adopted many of her attributes, as if she has been watching over him this whole time. As previously mentioned, the story's setting plays a big role. If Bunky and Eldon were the divide between humanity and nature, then Angie would be the stars, overseeing all beneath it; blending everything together into a singular thing. Angie had a way with her words that engulfed you in imagery. She was able to captivate people and tell them what they needed to hear. She was able to “... spin [stories] right outta the air. Tells em’ whole so’s you’d think yer readin’ a book” (192). As Frank goes through life, it’s as if Angie is with him throughout, as if “the stars [are] almost within reach” (150). Medicine Walk as a novel in general plays with family dynamics to show the reader how both natural and found family can work. Not everyone has the luxury to have a traditional father and maternal figure. This book tells us the struggles of a