Louise Erdrich, born of maternal Ojibwa descent and of paternal German-American descent, was a storyteller at an early age.

Her knowledge of and interest in the diverse traditions of her heritage provide Erdrich with a wealth of powerful images.

1. Identify Marie's understanding of sainthood. Is it indicative of her age or cultural upbringing? In what ways does her understanding of sainthood shift in the story?

2. Discuss the fish and/or fishing imagery used in the story. In what ways does Erdrich capitalize upon its connection to Catholicism and to the Native American community?

3. Discuss the use of lightness and darkness in the story. How do color differences suggest division in this community?

4. Discuss Sister Leopolda in conjunction with the various types of dust imagery used to represent her.

5. Compare the plots of "Saint Marie" and "Flesh and Blood" (also in Love Medicine, and set in 1957). Describe...