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June In Erdrich's Love Medicine

Decent Essays

June is an alcoholic who cannot manage to keep a job. She tried everything, from beautician to secretary, however “everything she tried fell through” (9). She has a problem with alcohol. Her sisters blame her death on her drinking problem, saying she “probably drank too much” (9). Despite these negative traits, Erdrich develops her character into a multi-dimensional portrait by allowing people to have varying views on June. In fact the novel is split into many perspectives, which challenges the reader to consider everything from multiple viewpoints. Her niece Albertine remembers her as “so sharp and determined” (9). Albertine’s view of June presents her in a different light, which enables the reader to consider a different perspective of June. …show more content…

In order to convey the trait of poverty, Erdrich employs the use of imagery, even the setting reflects their impoverished state. In the beginning of the novel, the road leading towards the reservation is described as having “ruts” and “holes” (11). The surrounding land “was a dull tan – the dry ditches, the dying crops” (11). Erdrich’s visual imagery gives the reader a mental image of a desolate environment. In addition, Erdrich references dust twice on page eleven, giving the impression of the prairies during the dustbowl, which occurred during the 1930’s when the world was going through the Great Depression, allowing the reader to subconsciously connect the environment of the reservation as poor, neglected and bleak. The grim environment creates sympathy for the female characters, many of whom live on the reservation. In addition, there is the alliteration of the letter “d”. This emphasises the poverty in which these characters live in by bringing attention to the “dull”, “dry” and “dying” environment of the reservations. Despite the despondent surroundings, Erdrich’s poetic style pushes the reader to consider this environment as a home, rather than merely a disgusting

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