Character Analysis: Language Forming Identity In Elijah And Xavier

Character Examination: Language Forming Identity in Elijah and Xavier Boyden characterizes Elijah and Xavier quite distinctly, especially in terms of language. Evidently, a large aspect of Xavier’s identity is his connection to his culture. As a child he exclaimed that “he would never speak the wemistikoshiw tongue” (89) as he was raised in the bush, abandoning all connection to western ideals. This aspect of his character continues into adulthood, he admits “I learn their English and pretend I don’t” (78). His refusal to adapt to western society is not always perceived as a strength, Elijah explains that “he is a heathen, speaks his own tongue fluently, nothing else” (203). This assumption communicates the ideals of the time period, anyone

This is demonstrated through the illusive sniper Peggy, and Frenchmen warn Elijah “avoid what happens to Peggy […] collect evidence of your kills” (204) because Peggy is not credited with his kills. There is an inherent disrespect in the army, and many Indigenous soldiers when they returned from the war did not receive the compensation or increased freedoms promised. This was a common theme in both society and the army, where Indigenous peoples were considered less because of their language and culture. Despite the negative views that the Cree language create for Xavier, he maintains his connection to his culture throughout the war. Contrastingly, Elijah choses to reinvent himself through language at the onset of the war. Since Elijah “had a gift for the wemistikoshiw language” (59) he is easily able to transition into an English gentleman. Elijah even employs a British accent, that starts as a joke but slowly consumes him. Later in the novel, Elijah admits “he couldn’t speak in his old voice even if he wanted to now. It’s gone somewhere far away” (138). As he