Trapped in an Unknown Mind Addiction and inner turmoil can drive a person to self-destruction making them their own worst enemy. Orange by Shane Hawk, an author and history teacher of Potawatomi descent, explores personal struggles associated with addiction through a short story narrative. The protagonist finds himself trapped in a vicious cycle of deep remorse stemming from his own actions and eventually loses his loved ones as a result. Similarly, Jesse Thistle's poem “Lyssa,” written by a Métis-Cree author and assistant professor at York University, further examines this topic of addiction. The main character finds himself isolated, alone, and imprisoned away from his loved ones, realizing that his own actions have led him to this point. Therefore, …show more content…
Furthermore, the use of imagery effectively depicts the anger and rage experienced by both characters, with the colour “red” symbolizing violence and appearing frequently throughout the texts. Orange and “Lyssa” both employ vivid imagery and examine the complexities of addiction to convey their message; however, the tone is utilized in distinct ways to highlight their characters’ contrasting situations. Through symbolic and metaphorical devices, each narrative reveals how addiction not only affects lives, but also greatly alters one’s identity and relationships. The painful consequences of the characters' choices illustrate how those struggling with substance abuse become trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. Moreover, the exploration of themes like disconnection and loss emphasizes the broader implications of addiction, highlighting how it erodes relationships and distances individuals from their cultural roots. Addiction not only impacts personal connections, but also severs the deep ties that link individuals to their community, history, and