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The Last Report On The Miracles At Little No Horse By Louise Erdrich

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Anisha Sharma UCLR 100E 020 Professor Evan Steuber April 9th, 2024 1. Embracing Gender Fluidity: A Deep Dive into Louise Erdrich's The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse Introduction: Louise Erdrich's novel The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse explores the complexities of gender identity and societal expectations within the intersecting landscapes of American/Catholic and Ojibwe cultures. Through the captivating odyssey of Sister Cecelia/Agnes/Father Damien Modeste, Erdrich skilfully unpacks the intricacies of gender, weaving a tapestry of societal expectations and personal liberation. In the novel, Louise Erdrich weaves the narrative around the character of Sister Cecilia/Agnes/Father Damien, whose journey unfolds …show more content…

Early in the novel, Sister Cecilia's desire to become a priest is met with skepticism and dismissal by the male-dominated hierarchy of the Catholic Church (Erdrich 76). The initial decision to disguise oneself as a man and assume the identity of Father Damien stems from the limitations placed on women within the Catholic Church. The societal expectations of femininity and obedience are evident in Sister Cecilia's initial reluctance to challenge these norms, highlighting the constraints imposed by her environment (Erdrich 34-37). Moreover, the novel delves into the limitations imposed on women in terms of sexual agency and desire. As Sister Cecelia, the protagonist experiences a profound and forbidden love for another nun, Sister Leopolda. Their relationship is underscored by secrecy and shame, as they grapple with the constraints of their gender and the expectations placed upon them as women of the Church. This is exemplified in the text: "Her face bloomed hot, and she had to keep herself from patting her cheeks." (Erdrich 274) illustrating the complexity and secrecy of their physical affection. These constraints on love and desire within the context of gender roles further illuminate the challenges faced by women within

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