Lulu Nanapush Character Analysis

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Recommended: The role of women in patriarchal society

A common theme of social and political male-assertiveness is prominent throughout the course of history. This occurrence subjects females to serve as the less privileged gender, and has created much controversy. Within the novel Tracks, Louise Erdrich conveys differentiating social commentary through the leading, female characters: Fleur Pillager, Pauline Puyat, Margaret Kashpaw, and Lulu Nanapush. Patriarchy is not defined to the extent of popular belief in the story, but can be easily observed from minute actions of Erdrich's characters. All of these actions pertain to a common belief coinciding with the muted discrimination. While not completely circumventing the ostentatious patriarchy, the female figures define themselves by avoiding confinement of it. Arguably the most repellent of patriarchy, Fleur Pillager’s atypical and reckless behavior displays many defiances. The most evident instance occurs near the beginning of the novel. In an alien town, she surprises a group of men by asking to play cards with them. The narrator states,”Women didn’t usually play with men… there was a shock of surprise” (Erdrich …show more content…

Near the end of the novel, Nanapush repeatedly tells Lulu that she should not marry a Morrisey. His repetitiveness hints that the interest has been expressed by Lulu several times. He warns her, “Grand daughter, if you join this clan, I predict the union will not last” (Erdrich 182). He bases his reasoning upon faults of the older Morrisseys, and for tacky things such as stereotypes of the Morriseys’ significant others. Nanapush’s firm beliefs in the similarities amidst generations limits his granddaughters free will. However, the tone indicates that he expressed his thoughts several times. Using the foreshadowing of the text, it can be predicted that Lulu does not adhere to Nanapush’s warning. Her resistance of the pseudo-patriarchy is iconic to the motive of the

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