Alcoholism In Medicine Walk By Richard Wagamese

Alcoholism is defined as an addiction to the indulgence of alcoholic liquor and the compelling behaviour which results from alcohol dependency. In the novel Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese the reasoning behind repression of alcohol abuse are evident through characters Eldon Starlight. The reason for his alcoholism is traumatic and its effects both himself and those around him which causes greater harshness. Eldon begins drinking after he was forced to leave his home as his mother chose her abusive husband over him. Meanwhile Eldon’s alcoholism arises after he kills his only friend to ensure his own survival. From Alcohol abuse Eldon suffers from liver failure which results in an early death. Likewise Eldon’s drinking habit effects Franklin …show more content…
Eldon’s drinking also effects his spouse as he returns home drunk from work when he realizes that Angie is about to give birth. However he is unable to reach the hospital in time and she passes. The text states, “When he got out of the cabin he wobbled to out of the truck and lost his footing in the grass and pitched face first onto the ground […] It took everything he had to get her to the truck” (Wagamese 221). When the doctor approaches Eldon he says, “She had a chance if she had made it here in time” (222). Eldon’s drinking effects his wife as it plays a role in her death, because of the time Eldon wastes stumbling around and carrying Angie to the truck she unfortunately passes. Eldon abuse of alcohol affects his character as his drinking leads to the death of his …show more content…
Eldon is also dependent on liquor. Eldon’s body is completely reliant on alcohol and despite his attempt to die as clean as possible; he requires it again after a short period of time. After witnessing Franklin fend off a bear Eldon tries to quit drinking as he says to his son, “Do me a favour? Pour it out. The hooch. Pour it out. Get rid of it” (Wagamese 112). But after two days of telling Franklin of his past he asks for it again, “The kid rose and retrieved the bottles. He held them while his father took some of the liquid in his mouth. He fought to swallow. There was a wild shake to his hands” (170). Seeing his son face a grizzly bear gives Eldon the confidence to face his own challenge and quit drinking, but his body is unable to refrain from alcohol now as it is too dependent. His condition worsens during his short sober period as he begins shaking and struggles to even swallow the substance which led to his feeble condition. Alcohol plays a major role in Eldon’s life expectancy as it leads to liver failure which in turn causes his early death. Eldon explains to Franklin how his liver has given out, “The liver. She’s shot. All kinds of crap making its way into my body now” (Wagamese 39). Eldon’s body is suffering due to his alcoholism as his liver is unable to remove the waste in his internal system. It is clear that Eldon’s body is feeling the feedback of alcoholism as he faces organ damage and a