In contrast, Native people are persecuted because they still have the ability to dream. They become like machines, physically alive but spiritually empty. In this sense, losing the ability to dream comes to represent humans losing their sense of meaning and direction in life. Once non-native people lose their ability to dream, they go crazy. What is the significance of dreams in The Marrow Thieves?ĭreams are of central importance in the novel. In Miig’s words, the Council still held on to “this crazy notion that there was goodness left, that someone, somewhere, would see just how insane this whole school thing was.”

They even risk their lives to try to save some people from the schools.įinally, Dimaline characterizes Isaac and the original members of the Native Council as hopelessly naive. But they are armed and prepared to display aggression or use violence to defend themselves. For the most part, they are noble and do not seek unnecessary violence. In contrast, Dimaline characterizes Miig's group, as well as the resistance camp in Espanola, as well-prepared and alert. They are 'the other Indians,' those who are willing to spill the blood of their own community members for their short-term survival or profit.

The author characterizes Travis and Lincoln as lazy, untrustworthy traitors who are only looking out for their own interests. How does author Cherie Dimaline use characterization to explore the diverse responses of Native peoples to the persecution and violence of the schools?ĭimaline uses characterization to explores Indigenous characters' varied responses to persecution and violence. Braiding thus becomes a powerful symbol of the effort to preserve their lineage, as Frenchie says that he braids his hair to “remind myself of things I couldn’t quite remember, but that, nevertheless, I knew to be true.” One way this is expressed is through braiding their hair as their ancestors did. French and the other youths he travels with long to connect with the cultural identity that most of them have lost. Why does Frenchie keep his hair long and wear it in braids?įrenchie's hair is a way of preserving Indigenous culture. On the other hand, he still feels like an awkward young boy who is mourning his lost childhood. On the one hand, French feels he must be a protector and provider for the rest of the group. He struggles to learn how to deal with these emotions. But it also causes French to feel jealousy, insecurity, and explosive anger. This brings up feelings of excitement and longing. For example, he develops his first serious romance, with Rose. In particular, the protagonist, French, faces the struggles of adolescence and increasing responsibility over the course of the novel. Yes, The Marrow Thieves is a coming-of-age story. Is The Marrow Thieves a coming-of-age story? Support your answer with evidence.

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