It is referred to as post-traumatic growth when someone gains a positive quality after facing problems and negativity. Throughout the novel The Marrow Thieves, the protagonist, Frenchie suffers many traumatic losses and experiences. However, they lead to significant character development and cause new moral discoveries. In the novel The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline portrays Frenchie’s psychological and moral development through her use of internal conflict, the theme of survival, and characterization. To begin, in the novel, Frenchie is faced with many dilemmas, in which he always chooses to run away instead of facing them head-on. Earlier on in the book, Frenchie finds himself in front of a moose while hunting, though in the following …show more content…
Throughout the novel, Frenchie has shown his pride and satisfaction for his long braid. For example, when the group is on a mission to retrieve Minerva, Frenchie feels the need to clarify that Derrick’s braid is almost as long as his (Dimaline 205). This demonstrates his strong sense of pride for his braid, and how he holds his self-worth in his physical appearance. Thus, supporting the argument that his self-worth is held purely in his braid and the way he looks. However, after Minerva’s death, Frenchie forgets all about his pride and follows Rose’s actions, as shown in the following; “I picked up the scissors when she put them down and cut my own braid to send off with Minerva” (Dimaline 212). In this quote, it is clear that Frenchie shows character growth, in his ability to ignore his biggest pride, to commemorate and respect others. This also defines his realization that he is worth more than just his braid and his looks. Consequently, Frenchie steps away from his childish pride, and moves towards developing his self-worth as well as his self-confidence. In short, Frenchie comes out of his experience with Minerva’s death having developed his sense of self and moral