What is Erdrich’s theme of tradition in LaRose?

Traditions are important aspects of society and culture for the characters in LaRose. Traditions – essentially the customs based on experiential knowledge and practiced wisdom by past generations – are essential for cultural and human survival and understanding. This is in keeping with the theme of life being a compact between the living, the dead, and the unborn.

The killing of Dusty by Landreaux, accidental though it was, requires the practice of traditional Ojibwe sacrifice. Landreaux and Emmaline must lose, in a way, their own son by giving LaRose to the Raviches to be raised by them in the stead of their lost son. This helps both families to grieve and to heal. The tradition is modified slightly by both families, so that both families may enjoy the love and company of LaRose. The carrying out of tradition also ensures that LaRose will be able to live up to his namesake by saving the lives of Peter, Landreaux, Maggie, and Nola in various ways. If this tradition had never been carried out at all, both families would have been irreparably harmed.

In order to survive in the modern world, the Ojibwe and local whites have taken it upon themselves to be familiar with one another’s cultures. This tradition has ensured harmony, love, and cooperation between peoples who have, in the past, been enemies at times. The Iron family especially has handed down the tradition of educating its children in both the ways of the Americans (and Catholics), and the Ojibwes, ensuring that they be competent and capable human beings. This tradition was begun by the ancestors of the Irons, Wolfred (a white American who learned the ways of the Ojibwe out of respect and love for the first LaRose) and LaRose (an Ojibwe who learned the ways of the Americans out of respect and love for Wolfred). This respect can also be seen in the way that Landreaux did, and Hollis now does, serve the United States in the Armed Forces.

Tradition is also held up in at least one more important place. This is LaRose’s communing with Dusty and the other spirits of the dead. The direct consultation, respect for, and offerings to the dead ensure that wisdom and protection can be passed along to the living. Here, American, Catholic, and Ojibwe customs merge in a tradition of respect and honor for the dead. In so carrying out the tradition of communing with the dead, it is possible for Nola to overhear LaRose’s conversation with Dusty. This in turn lifts the darkness from Nola who realizes her son is all right in the next world, and so removes her impulse to suicide.