Louise Erdrichs Saint Marie
Louise Erdrich presents the theme of female power and independence in her short story “Saint Marie”. Marie is used to having the dark, cold feeling in her heart and she wishes to enter the convent to find something more meaningful. ... She is motivated by the thought of the nuns having to accept an Indian as a saint, but she must also reassure herself that she is only barely an Indian. As she searches for this new spiritual power in the convent, Sister Leopolda overpowers Marie with her physical power. For some unknown reason, Marie still cannot escape Catholicism and stays, despite Sister Leopolda’s harsh treatment. Marie is drawn to the faith and longs for the spiritual power it possesses as well as the more meaningful life it promises. Marie strives for her own freedom and spiritual power as she battles with her spiritual mother, Sister Leopolda.