Lecture Notes: Family Dynamics and Personal History

Introduction

• Scene set at a dinner table on the last day of 10th grade.
• Present: narrator, their dad, stepmom Judy, and stepbrother Bear.
• An unusual formal dinner setup suggests a significant announcement.

Unforeseen Summer Plans

• Narrator's parents have summer plans for them, unknown to the narrator.
• Initial discussion about summer plans leads to a sense of unease.
• The narrator’s usual summer involves avoiding their brother and relaxing.

Announcement: Trip to Grandparents

• Dad proposes a summer visit to grandparents.
• Initial misinterpretation that it would be Judy's parents.
• Bear to visit Judy's parents; narrator to visit maternal grandparents in North Dakota.
• Grandparents' location: Moranville, North Dakota, near Canadian border.

Maternal Family Background

• Narrator's mom died when they were born.
• Mom’s heritage: Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indian Reservation.
• Mixed heritage: Chippewa Indians and French fur traders.
• Mom's grandmother, Elizabeth, spoke Michif, a blend of Cree and French.

Name Origin Story

• Named "Apple" from mother’s last words post-car accident birth.
• Story: "My fille, les pommes de mailloux" – interpreted as "my girl, the apple of my eye."
• Confusion about the correctness of the translation.

Emotional Conflict and Curiosity

• Narrator has unresolved feelings about mother’s death.
• Concerns about being blamed for mother’s death.
• Curiosity about mother’s life and desire for answers.

Reluctance to Visit Mother’s Gravesite

• Fear and aversion to cemeteries.
• Emotional turmoil over father’s sudden interest in the maternal family.
• The trip presents a chance for understanding and connection with maternal side.

Conclusion

• Despite initial resistance, narrator agrees to visit maternal grandparents.
• Ends with a query about modern conveniences, highlighting mixed feelings about the trip.