ESSAY TOPIC: Psychoanalytic perspective on Medicine Walk
NAME: Jenopan Jeyakumar
FIRST PARAGRAPH: Don't forget to indent!
Hook: The main characters in Richard Wagamese's novel Medicine Walk set off on an intriguing voyage into
the undiscovered depths of their brains, uncovering hidden secrets, facing unanswered questions, and revealing the
complex web of their identities.
Thesis: Through the psychoanalytic perspective, Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese portrays the characters
diving deeply into the subconscious world, embarking on a transforming journey of self-discovery and personal
redemption, revealing hidden traumas, unsolved problems, and the long history of relationships that make the
characters' identities.
Subtopic One:
Subtopic Two:
Subtopic Three:
The Journey into the Subconscious Unraveling Hidden Traumas and
The Complexity of Father-Son
Unresolved Issues
Relationships
SECOND PARAGRAPH: Don't forget to indent!
Topic Sentence Introducing Subtopic One: Use a transition word!
Through the spiritual journey known as the Medicine Walk sends the characters of Medicine Walk on a
changing journey into their subconscious thoughts.
3 Examples with explanations: Use transition words!
● "He felt the wilderness move in him, so he
opened his spirit to it" (Wagamese 74).
● In Medicine Walk, Franklin opens himself up to
the world around him, allowing him to explore
his deepest thoughts and emotions.
● "In the silence of his thoughts, his memories
● Franklin's memories come back to him as he
roared" (Wagamese 101).
walks through the forest, giving him an
in-depth understanding of his subconscious and
the experiences that influenced him.
● "The dream was so powerful that Franklin's
breath was hard in his chest when he awoke"
● Franklin's journey-related dreams provide an
(Wagamese 126).
insight into his lingering fears and ambitions,
helping in his development of understanding
and awareness of himself
Concluding Sentence for Subtopic One: Use a transition word!
Ultimately In Medicine Walk, the characters embark on a deep journey of self-reflection, uncovering hidden
thoughts and emotions from their subconscious, paving the way for personal development and profound change.
THIRD PARAGRAPH: Don't forget to indent!
Topic Sentence Introducing Subtopic Two: Use a transition word!
Moreover, in the novel Medicine Walk, the author skillfully unravels the concealed traumas and lingering
problems that have haunted the characters, especially influencing their lives and relationships.
3 Examples with explanations: Use transition words!
● "Eldon had his pain, too. He carried it like a
raw, oozing sore inside him" (Wagamese 55).
● "Franklin realized that he was holding on to a lot
of bitterness about the past" (Wagamese 85).
● "Eldon struggled for breath in the narrow bed,
and Franklin realized that his father's pain went
beyond his physical body" (Wagamese 146).
●
Eldon's suffering and emotional burden are
highlighted, emphasizing the long-lasting
effects of his prior tragic events.
● Franklin's effort to cope with the grief brought
on by his father's absence is evident in the
acknowledgment of his hatred.
● The novel highlights the interaction between
suffering from illness and unsolved emotional
trauma as Eldon's health deteriorates.
Concluding Sentence for Subtopic Two: Use a transition word!
Overall, The main characters in Medicine Walk start the path of healing and redemption by confronting and
analyzing their lingering problems and hidden traumas.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH: Don't forget to indent!
Topic Sentence Introducing Subtopic Three: Use a transition word!
The complex father-son relationship that acts as the story's main focus in Medicine Walk sheds light on the
complicated nature of family ties.
3 Examples with explanations: Use transition words!
● "He wanted Eldon to see him as someone worthy
of respect, worthy of being cared for"
(Wagamese 36).
● "His father's voice moved through him like a
● The intense urge for validation in their
connection is highlighted by Franklin's desire
for his father's acceptance.
● Eldon's presence still has an impact on
song he had once known well" (Wagamese 64).
● "They sat with the memory of it, together, father
and son" (Wagamese 117).
Franklin's thoughts and actions despite their
difficult relationship, demonstrating their
ongoing relationship.
● Franklin and Eldon start to overcome their
emotional gap through shared memories and
experiences.
Concluding Sentence for Subtopic Three: Use a transition word!
Despite previous mistakes and separation, Medicine Walk shows the complexity of the father-son connection and
the possibility for redemption.
FIFTH PARAGRAPH: Don't forget to indent!
Restate your thesis. Summarize your main points. Add a clincher
Restating my thesis: In Medicine Walk, Richard Wagamese skillfully constructs a story that leads the
protagonists on a quest for self-awareness and redemption while bringing to light hidden traumas, unresolved
issues, and the importance of their relationships through the lens of psychoanalytic view.
Summarizing the main points: The characters' journey into their subconscious minds builds personal development
and transformation in Medicine Walk. The novel analyzes how the lives and relationships of the individuals are
affected by unseen traumas and ongoing issues. It also explores the complicated and changing father-son
relationship, highlighting the opportunity for healing and acceptance.
Clincher: Medicine Walk serves as a tragic but fascinating story that appeals with readers of all backgrounds,
shedding light on the strength and persistence of human beings through its dramatic exploration of the human
psyche and the healing power of reflection and forgiveness.