"Tracks" by Louise Erdrich: Study Guide & Literary Devices 📖🔍

Introduction

Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks” is a fascinating journey into the heart of Native American life, filled with magic, tradition, and the struggle for survival. 🍂✨ Published in 1988, this novel holds a special place in Erdrich’s impressive oeuvre, showcasing her unique ability to weave complex narratives that are both profoundly intimate and expansively historical. Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, brings an authentic voice and deep, personal insight into the Native American experience, making “Tracks” not just a story, but a vibrant, living history.

Contents

Set in the early 20th century, “Tracks” delves into the lives of the Anishinaabe people of North Dakota, focusing on how they navigate the challenges posed by the U.S. government’s policies, societal changes, and the harsh realities of life on a reservation. The genre of “Tracks” comfortably straddles historical fiction, magical realism, and the rich tradition of Native American storytelling, creating a unique blend that captures the essence of Erdrich’s literary craftsmanship.

As we embark on this journey through “Tracks,” prepare to be transported into a world where the spiritual and the mundane intertwine, where the bonds of community, tradition, and land are tested by the forces of change. 🌲📚

Plot Summary

“Tracks” by Louise Erdrich intricately weaves the tales of survival, tradition, and resistance of the Anishinaabe people through the eyes of its compelling characters. The novel spans from 1912 to 1924, a period marking significant upheaval and change for the Native American communities in North Dakota.

Exposition — The novel opens with the community grappling with loss: loss of land, loss of lives due to tuberculosis, and loss of their traditional ways of life. Central to this struggle is Fleur Pillager, a young woman with a mysterious connection to the spiritual world, known for her fierce independence and rumored magical powers.

Rising Action — Nanapush, an elder of the tribe and one of the narrators, becomes a father figure to Fleur after her family’s demise. He helps her reclaim her family’s land on Lake Matchimanito, where she lives in isolation, cultivating both respect and fear from the townsfolk. Meanwhile, Pauline Puyat, a mixed-blood girl, becomes obsessed with Fleur’s strength and spirituality, leading her down a path of self-denial and fanaticism.

Climax — The tension between the traditional ways of the Anishinaabe and the encroaching influence of white settlers reaches its peak when the lumber company, backed by the government, tries to seize Fleur’s land. Fleur’s resistance, coupled with the community’s efforts to save their land, highlights the central conflict.

Falling Action — Despite their efforts, the community faces setbacks. Fleur loses her land and moves away, symbolizing the disintegration of the Anishinaabe connection to their land. Pauline’s descent into madness and her betrayal of her people’s traditions signify the internal fracturing of the community’s identity.

Resolution — The novel closes with the characters coming to terms with the changes they’ve endured. Nanapush and Margaret Kashpaw, another central character, marry and strive to keep their traditions alive through storytelling and by maintaining their ties to the land, albeit now drastically altered.

Through “Tracks,” Erdrich offers a vivid narrative that captures the resilience of the Anishinaabe people in the face of external pressures and the erosion of their traditional way of life. The novel’s events, rich with symbolic meaning, challenge the readers to reflect on themes of identity, survival, and the deep connections between people and their land.

Character Analysis

“Tracks” by Louise Erdrich is rich with complex characters whose lives and personal journeys are deeply intertwined with the themes of the novel. Here’s a closer look at the main characters:

Fleur Pillager — Known for her enigmatic connection to the spirit world and her unwavering strength, Fleur is a symbol of resistance against the cultural and physical encroachment faced by the Anishinaabe. Despite facing tragedy, loss, and betrayal, she remains deeply connected to her land and traditions, embodying the resilience and spirit of her people.
Nanapush — A tribal elder and a source of wisdom, Nanapush acts as a caretaker and father figure to Fleur following the loss of her family. He is deeply committed to preserving the Anishinaabe way of life through storytelling, humor, and resilience in the face of hardship. His narratives provide a counterpoint to the changes threatening his community, offering hope and continuity.
Pauline Puyat — Pauline represents the internal conflict of identity, torn between her Native American heritage and the allure of Christian salvation. Her path from a curious observer to a self-flagellating nun illustrates the destructive impact of colonialism on personal and cultural identities. Pauline’s actions, driven by jealousy and fanaticism, have dire consequences for those around her, especially Fleur.
Margaret Kashpaw — Margaret, initially introduced as a harsh and scorned woman due to her son’s actions, evolves into a character of resilience and depth. Her relationship with Nanapush and her eventual acceptance of Fleur showcase her complexity and capacity for change, mirroring the broader adaptability of the Anishinaabe people.

Character	Personality Traits	Motivations	Development Through the Story
Fleur Pillager	Independent, mystical, resilient	Protect her land and maintain her traditions	Remains steadfast, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe
Nanapush	Wise, humorous, caring	Preserve Anishinaabe stories and traditions; protect Fleur	Becomes a unifying force in his community, bridging the past and the future
Pauline Puyat	Obsessed, conflicted, self-destructive	Seeks belonging and spiritual redemption; driven by jealousy	Descends into madness, embodying the costs of cultural disintegration
Margaret Kashpaw	Strong, adaptive, nurturing	Seeks redemption and family unity	Grows into a matriarchal figure, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of her people

Through these characters, Erdrich paints a vivid portrait of a community at the crossroads of tradition and change, illustrating the complexities of identity, resilience, and survival. The characters’ development throughout the novel not only highlights their personal journeys but also reflects the broader themes of loss, resistance, and hope within the Anishinaabe community.

Themes and Symbols

“Tracks” by Louise Erdrich is a rich tapestry of themes and symbols that contribute to the novel’s exploration of identity, tradition, and resistance. Here’s an in-depth look:

Survival Against Assimilation — The struggle of the Anishinaabe people to maintain their culture, land, and way of life against the pressures of assimilation and the encroachment of Western society is central. This theme is embodied in the characters’ efforts to resist the loss of their land and the erosion of their cultural practices.
The Power of Storytelling — Storytelling serves as a vital connection to the past and a means of preserving traditions and histories. Through characters like Nanapush, Erdrich emphasizes the importance of oral tradition in sustaining the cultural identity of the Anishinaabe people amidst change and adversity.
The Natural World — The deep connection between the Anishinaabe people and their environment is a recurring theme. The land and natural elements are not just settings but characters in their own right, reflecting the spiritual and physical lifeblood of the community.
Spirituality and Religion — The novel explores the tension between traditional Anishinaabe spiritual beliefs and Christianity. Characters like Pauline represent the internal conflict and the impact of religious assimilation on Native American identities.
Gender and Power — Through characters like Fleur and Pauline, Erdrich examines the roles of women within Anishinaabe society and the broader world. Fleur, with her strong, almost mythical presence, challenges the patriarchal norms, while Pauline’s path reflects the complexities of power, gender, and identity.

Symbols:

Matchimanito Lake — The lake is a powerful symbol of Fleur’s connection to her ancestors and the spiritual world. It represents the strength and mystery of the natural world, as well as the dangers of underestimating its power.
Tracks — The title itself symbolizes the marks left by both animals and humans on the land, signifying the passage of time, the legacy of ancestors, and the changes brought by external forces. Tracks are memories, histories, and futures intertwined.
The Pillager Cabin — Standing on the shores of Matchimanito Lake, the Pillager cabin symbolizes resilience, independence, and the struggle to maintain sovereignty over one’s life and land in the face of external threats.

Through these themes and symbols, Erdrich weaves a complex narrative that invites reflection on the resilience of culture and the indomitable spirit of the Anishinaabe people. Each element serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters’ struggles and the broader historical context they inhabit.

Style and Tone

Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks” is a masterclass in the blending of narrative styles and tones that contribute significantly to the novel’s mood and thematic depth. Here’s how:

Narrative Structure — “Tracks” alternates between the first-person perspectives of Nanapush, a tribal elder, and Pauline Puyat, a young mixed-blood woman. This dual narrative provides contrasting viewpoints on the events unfolding within the Anishinaabe community, enriching the storytelling with layers of complexity and insight.
Magical Realism — Erdrich skillfully integrates elements of magical realism, blurring the lines between the physical and spiritual worlds. This style heightens the sense of mysticism surrounding characters like Fleur Pillager and emphasizes the deep spiritual connection the Anishinaabe people have with their environment.
Lyrical Prose — The author’s prose is richly descriptive and lyrical, painting vivid images of the North Dakota landscape and the lives of its inhabitants. Erdrich’s use of language not only captures the beauty and harshness of the natural world but also conveys the emotional landscapes of her characters.
Humor and Tragedy — Despite the novel’s exploration of serious themes such as loss, resistance, and cultural erosion, Erdrich weaves humor throughout the narrative. Nanapush’s storytelling, in particular, is marked by a wry humor that brings lightness to the narrative, balancing the tragedy and hardships the characters face.
Tone — The tone of “Tracks” is multifaceted, reflecting the novel’s complex themes and emotional depth. At times, it is solemn and reflective, especially when dealing with the loss of land and tradition. At other times, it is hopeful and defiant, capturing the resilience of the Anishinaabe people. The shifting tone complements the novel’s themes and enhances the reader’s connection to the story.

Erdrich’s writing style and tone in “Tracks” serve as powerful tools in conveying the mood and atmosphere of the book. Her ability to blend narrative voices, integrate magical realism, and employ lyrical prose enriches the storytelling, making “Tracks” a compelling and immersive read.

Literary Devices used in Tracks

Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks” is a rich literary work that employs a variety of literary devices to enhance its narrative depth and thematic resonance. Here are the top 10 devices used in the book:

Symbolism — Erdrich uses symbols such as Matchimanito Lake and the Pillager cabin to represent deeper themes of connection to land, spiritual heritage, and resistance.
Metaphor — The novel is filled with metaphors that link characters and their experiences to the natural world, emphasizing the deep bond between the Anishinaabe people and their environment.
Foreshadowing — Early events in the novel hint at future conflicts and challenges, creating a sense of anticipation and tension for the reader.
Personification — Erdrich gives human qualities to the natural environment, particularly in her depiction of Matchimanito Lake, which becomes a living, breathing entity in the narrative.
Irony — There are instances of both situational and dramatic irony, where the outcome of an event is contrary to what was expected or where characters are unaware of the significance of events that the reader understands.
Flashback — Through the narrators’ memories, the novel frequently dips into the past, providing context and background to the characters’ present situations.
Imagery — Vivid imagery is used to paint a detailed picture of the setting and characters, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of early 20th century North Dakota.
Alliteration — The use of alliteration enhances the lyrical quality of Erdrich’s prose, creating a musical rhythm that echoes the oral storytelling tradition of the Anishinaabe people.
Repetition — Repetition is used for emphasis and to reinforce themes and motifs, making them more resonant throughout the novel.
Juxtaposition — Erdrich juxtaposes characters, themes, and events to highlight contrasts, such as the traditional versus the modern, community versus isolation, and spirituality versus materialism.

Each of these literary devices contributes to the richness of “Tracks,” allowing Erdrich to explore complex themes and emotions with subtlety and depth. The use of these devices not only enhances the narrative but also deepens the reader’s engagement with the text.

Literary Devices Examples

Let’s explore examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks.”

Symbolism

Matchimanito Lake

Example: The lake is both a source of life and a place of mystery and danger, reflecting the dual nature of nature itself.
Explanation: It symbolizes the deep, spiritual connection the Anishinaabe have with their land and the spiritual world.

The Pillager Cabin

Example: The cabin stands resilient amidst challenges, just like its owner, Fleur.
Explanation: It represents the struggle to maintain one’s identity and sovereignty in the face of external pressures.

Metaphor

Fleur as a Storm

Example: Fleur is often compared to natural forces, embodying the untameable power of nature.
Explanation: This metaphor highlights her strength, independence, and deep connection to the natural and spiritual worlds.

Foreshadowing

Nanapush’s Warnings

Example: Nanapush’s warnings about the loss of land foreshadow the community’s struggles with government and settlers.
Explanation: This device creates anticipation and underscores the themes of resistance and survival.

Personification

The Lake’s Whispers

Example: The lake is described as whispering, holding secrets and memories.
Explanation: Personification of the lake emphasizes the spiritual presence and consciousness within nature, integral to Anishinaabe belief.

Irony

Pauline’s Faith

Example: Pauline’s turn to Christianity is ironic, as her actions betray the teachings of love and compassion.
Explanation: This irony critiques the destructive impact of forced assimilation and religious conversion.

Flashback

Fleur’s Past

Example: The narrative often revisits Fleur’s history and her family’s connection to the land.
Explanation: Flashbacks provide depth to Fleur’s character and contextualize the Anishinaabe’s loss.

Imagery

The Winter Scene

Example: Erdrich describes the harsh, unforgiving winter landscape with vivid detail.
Explanation: This imagery sets the tone for the novel and reflects the characters’ struggles against environmental and cultural erosion.

Alliteration

“Fleur’s fierce fight”

Example: The repetition of the ‘f’ sound in descriptions of Fleur.
Explanation: This alliteration draws attention to her resilience and central role in the narrative.

Repetition

“The land, the land”

Example: The repeated reference to land throughout the novel.
Explanation: It emphasizes the importance of land to the Anishinaabe people’s identity and survival.

Juxtaposition

Traditional vs. Modern Life

Example: The traditional ways of the Anishinaabe are contrasted with the encroaching modernity and materialism of the 20th century.
Explanation: Juxtaposition here highlights the tension between maintaining cultural traditions and the inevitability of change.

Each table showcases how Erdrich’s use of literary devices enriches the narrative of “Tracks,” adding layers of meaning and enhancing the reader’s engagement with the story.

Tracks – FAQs

Q: What is the main theme of “Tracks”?
A: The main theme of “Tracks” is the struggle for survival and resilience of the Anishinaabe people in the face of cultural and land dispossession. It explores how identity, tradition, and land are intricately connected and the impacts of assimilation and loss.

Q: Who are the narrators of “Tracks” and why are they significant?
A: “Tracks” is narrated by Nanapush and Pauline Puyat. Their contrasting perspectives offer a rich, layered understanding of the events and themes in the novel. Nanapush represents the tradition and wisdom of the Anishinaabe, while Pauline embodies the conflict and consequences of cultural assimilation.

Q: How does Louise Erdrich incorporate magical realism in “Tracks”?
A: Erdrich weaves magical realism into the narrative through the spiritual and mystical elements that influence the characters and plot. The presence of supernatural forces, particularly in Fleur Pillager’s life, blurs the lines between reality and the spiritual world, reflecting the Anishinaabe worldview.

Q: What role does the natural environment play in “Tracks”?
A: The natural environment is a critical component of “Tracks,” serving both as a setting and a character. It reflects the Anishinaabe’s deep spiritual connection to the land and acts as a source of sustenance, conflict, and identity. The changing landscape also mirrors the broader theme of loss and resilience.

Q: How does “Tracks” address the issue of gender?
A: “Tracks” explores gender dynamics within Anishinaabe society and in relation to colonial pressures. Characters like Fleur challenge traditional gender roles with their strength and independence, while Pauline’s story highlights the complexities of gender, power, and identity in the context of cultural assimilation.

Q: Can “Tracks” be considered a historical novel?
A: Yes, “Tracks” can be considered a historical novel as it is set in the early 20th century and addresses real historical challenges faced by the Anishinaabe people, including land dispossession, tuberculosis, and the impact of federal policies like allotment. Erdrich blends historical facts with fictional elements to illuminate this period from an Indigenous perspective.

Q: What is the significance of the title “Tracks”?
A: The title “Tracks” symbolizes the physical and metaphorical traces left by individuals, animals, and historical events on the land and within communities. It signifies the impact of past actions on the present and future, as well as the interconnectedness of life paths and stories.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D
What is Fleur Pillager’s connection to Matchimanito Lake?	She was born there.	It’s where she draws her spiritual power.	She owns a cabin on its shore.	All of the above.
Who serves as a father figure to Fleur after her family’s death?	Nanapush.	Eli Kashpaw.	Pauline Puyat.	Moses Pillager.
What does Pauline Puyat aspire to become?	A teacher.	A nun.	A healer.	A warrior.
Which literary device is prominently used to describe the natural world in “Tracks”?	Irony.	Personification.	Metaphor.	Alliteration.
What major challenge do the characters face in “Tracks”?	A magical curse.	The encroachment of white settlers and loss of land.	A rival tribe’s aggression.	A famine.
How does the novel “Tracks” primarily explore its themes?	Through a single narrative perspective.	Through historical documents.	Through the alternating perspectives of Nanapush and Pauline.	Through a third-person omniscient narrator.
What role does storytelling play in “Tracks”?	It’s a form of entertainment.	It’s a means of preserving history and tradition.	It’s used to cast spells.	It’s a tool for manipulation.
Which character is known for their connection to the spiritual world?	Margaret Kashpaw.	Nanapush.	Fleur Pillager.	Pauline Puyat.
What symbolizes the struggle to maintain sovereignty over one’s life and land in “Tracks”?	The Pillager cabin.	The Kashpaw family farm.	The church in the town.	The federal school.
What is a significant theme of “Tracks”?	The importance of education.	The resilience of culture and identity in the face of assimilation.	The benefits of modernization.	The inevitability of progress.

This quiz is designed to test your comprehension and recall of key elements from Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks,” including character relationships, themes, symbols, and the use of literary devices.

Exercise

Spot the Literary Devices Used in the Following Paragraph from “Tracks”:

“The trees were tall, but I was taller, standing above them on a steep mountain slope in northern Minnesota. Beneath me lay the lake, blue and deep and still. My eyes were fixed on the northern horizon, and my ears were open wide to catch the sound of the wind just beginning to stir the treetops. We were all waiting for a miracle to happen.”

Answers:

Personification: “My ears were open wide to catch the sound of the wind just beginning to stir the treetops.” – The wind stirring the treetops is described as if the wind is intentionally trying to make a sound to be caught, attributing human-like intentions to the natural element.
Imagery: “The trees were tall, but I was taller, standing above them on a steep mountain slope in northern Minnesota. Beneath me lay the lake, blue and deep and still.” – This creates a vivid picture of the setting, engaging the reader’s senses to imagine the towering trees, the steep slope, the serene lake, and the vast landscape.
Metaphor: “We were all waiting for a miracle to happen.” – This suggests a sense of anticipation or hope for something extraordinary, using “miracle” to imply a significant change or event, possibly beyond the literal waiting for a weather change or natural event.

This exercise helps to understand how Louise Erdrich uses literary devices to enrich the narrative, create vivid imagery, and convey deeper meanings within “Tracks.”