Three Day Road Character Analysis

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Federico Rivera Mrs. J. McCabe ENG-3UI June 11, 2012 Three Day Road – Literary Criticism Essay In the novel Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden, the theme of change, development and evolution of character is clearly evident. This is shown through Elijah’s and Xavier’s adjustment to the war, the deterioration of their friendship and how their character development leads to their destruction and fates. During the grim and grey years of WWI, Elijah and Xavier, a pair of young Oji-Cree hunters of Northern Ontario, decide to join the army and fight in the cities of Ypres and Somme respectively. It is here where they learn to adjust to the culture, and the war, which they both undoubtedly approach in different manners. Xavier adjusts by staying reserved and marginalized, almost an invisible ghost, while Elijah participates with others, constantly seeking them for credit and attention. Their characters are distinct and this is reflected in…show more content…
I fear many things in this place. But I do not want to fear my friend.” (246) evidently, the reader can begin to perceive from this point forward that Elijah’s character change and his maniac obsession with murder is beginning to overpower and conquer their friendship, in turn starting to terminate and abolish it. This marks inescapably a change, an evolution in Xavier’s character as well. He begins to begrudge and dislike his own friend, to the point where he would engage himself in hurting him, “Something I’ve never felt before rushes over me. I want to beat Elijah with my fists until he is bloody.” (253) Undeniably, Elijah’s change in character is the main reason their valuable friendship begins to decay, and the reason Xavier develops a new abhorrent character, which eventually leads to their

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