Ceniya J. answered • 04/21/25
Literature Tutor with Academic Writing & Analysis Experience
In "Chapter Six: Spring 1918 – Winter 1919: Payaetonookaedaed-geezis: Wood Louse Sun – Pauline" from Tracks by Louise Erdrich, after the premature birth of Fleur’s baby, there is a mystical journey to the land of the dead that occurs. Following the birth, Pauline experiences a profound, otherworldly experience where she believes she enters a state of spiritual transition, crossing between the physical and spiritual realms. In this vision, she encounters spirits and undergoes a journey that symbolizes a connection with the dead and the supernatural forces surrounding Fleur's childbirth.
Pauline's vision is symbolic and rooted in the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Ojibwe people, which emphasize connections between the living and the dead, as well as spiritual guidance. This mystical journey is not a literal event but serves as a metaphor for the psychological and spiritual upheaval Pauline faces as she witnesses Fleur's suffering and the premature birth. It reflects Pauline's inner turmoil, confusion, and the weight of her role in Fleur's life. This experience is framed through her religious lens, blending Catholic beliefs with the traditional Ojibwe spirituality.
Did it actually happen?
No, the mystical journey is not a literal occurrence but a symbolic representation of Pauline's psychological state and spiritual experience. It reflects her internal conflict and the blending of cultural beliefs, offering a deeper understanding of the emotional and spiritual turmoil that accompanies the traumatic events surrounding Fleur's childbirth.
