The Break By Katherena Vermette

The lives of numerous characters in Winnipeg's city environment come together in Katherena Vermette's novel "The Break," bringing awareness to the profound traumas experienced by Indigenous communities. This analysis explores the novel's representation of pain, resilience, justice, and community support through a psychoanalytic lens. As the main characters confront their personal issues and seek recovery, they demonstrate the human spirit's strength in facing adversity. This analysis highlights the characters' search for justice, the life-changing force of community support, and their unwavering determination. "The Break" provides an emotional representation of the determined purpose of Indigenous tribes by digging into the complex relationship

"They are her family, in a way," the author writes. "Not blood, but something stronger" (Vermette, 93). They offer emotional and practical support to one another through their tight relationships, as Stella's neighbour, Auntie Val, informs her, "You're not alone, you know that, right?" "We're all here for you," Vermette (117), creating a sense of belonging and security. This collective power emerges as a critical source of resilience, demonstrating the need for connection in times of tragedy. Furthermore, the narrative emphasises Cheryl's family's unwavering support from the Indigenous community. "We're here for you," Cheryl's aunt says, referring to the family's system of care and compassion. "You don't have to do this alone" (Vermette, 150), empowering people to work together to seek justice and healing. The strength of communal support represented in "The Break" complies with the psychoanalytic theory of the value of social ties and acceptance for individual growth and healing. A Individuals' sense of identity and psychological well-being is deeply influenced by their interactions with others, and their desire for validation and approval, from the Freudian psychoanalysis view (Freud). Additionally, the narrative emphasises the knowledge that's been handed down through centuries, providing direction and hope to the younger characters. "You gotta be strong, like all the women before you," Cheryl's grandmother says. "We have much to be proud of" (Vermette, 237). The importance of intergenerational ties in creating a sense of identity and continuity in the face of trauma is apparent through the role of elders in the community. Psychoanalytic theories contend that in addition to personal experiences, the cultural and historical regulations in which people live also impacts their identities (Marshall). The guidance passed down through generations strengthens a sense of