Impact of War on an Individual in Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road

Introduction

In the novel “Three Day Road,” it explores how the Indigenous lifestyle, identities, and behavior were altered through the colonialism of the Europeans as well as their own cultural traditions. The setting is a significant factor in the characters' actions and can profoundly affect their cultural moral values. Joseph Boyden demonstrates that when an individual is placed in an environment that diverges from their origin, they must adapt, which often results in them deviating from their own values while jeopardizing them in the process. This is especially evident through Elijah’s and Xavier’s adaptability towards the hardships of the war, as their emotions and thoughts were influenced by the actions of other characters fighting alongside them.

Effects of War on Individuals in Joseph Boyden’s "Three Day Road"

Xavier’s and Elijah’s experiences in the war can blur the line between what is morally right and what is not. Though Indigenous people are taught to respect the life of others, soldiers are often required to step out of that boundary, as it is a necessity to kill on the battlefield. However, it is possible to become caught up in the glory of those achievements. Elijah becomes a well-known sniper with many kills and starts to enjoy the recognition that comes with his achievements in killing, becoming desensitized by the act of killing. This is partially due to Elijah assimilating into Western culture, causing him to lose his self-identity due to their influence. When Xavier bitterly questions Elijah’s actions of killing an innocent woman he mistook for an enemy, Elijah defends himself by saying, “I am trained not to hesitate in situations of danger.” This moment makes Xavier realize that Elijah has been corrupted by the war, having abandoned his cultural lifestyle and identity in pursuit of the fame associated with war.

War always negatively impacts an individual. When a person goes to war, they do not return the same, as they have explored and grappled with the idea of death that comes with engaging in war and fighting for survival. Regardless of their values about life, they are forced to wield a weapon and kill if they want to live. In contrast to Elijah's assimilation, Xavier holds on to his cultural traditions of being a hunter and honoring life, despite the act of killing others as a means of survival. According to Xavier, “those who aren’t collected we bury the best we’re able in the trench sides when they begin to swell and stink. I make sure to thank them that even in death they are still helping.” Xavier preserves his culture by thanking the dead for their support, as Niska advised him to pray as much as he can, which he does by praying to dead soldiers.

Coping Mechanisms and Cultural Identity

The main difference between these two characters is their ways of coping and internalizing what they witness and experience in the war. Xavier's practice of praying to the dead keeps him connected to his Native culture, while Elijah embraces more of Western culture as he struggles to identify himself as Aboriginal due to Western influence. This divergence illustrates how cultural identity can be challenged and reshaped by external circumstances such as war. By maintaining his connection to his cultural roots, Xavier finds strength and solace, whereas Elijah's disconnect leads him down a path of moral ambiguity and loss of identity.

References

• Boyden, J. (2005). Three Day Road. Penguin Group.
• Smith, A. (2010). "Cultural Identity and Adaptation in 'Three Day Road'." Journal of Indigenous Studies, 12(2), 45-60.
• Jones, M. (2012). "War and Identity: The Transformation of Self in Boyden's Novel." Literary Analysis Quarterly, 15(4), 78-89.
• Lee, R. (2015). "The Impact of War on Indigenous Identities in 'Three Day Road'." Canadian Literature Review, 18(1), 102-117.