The Theme Of Lack Of Identity In 'The Marrow Thieves'

A lack of self-identity can be problematic for a person. Imagine not knowing about your culture and language. In The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, the main character Frenchie, is an indigenous teenage boy who is running for his life. He has been cut off from his culture and now only has a few things that make him feel connected to his roots, just like, the braid in his hair. He talks about it excessively and is very proud of it and its length in particular for he is constantly pulling it out and showing it off to other men as a way to prove himself worthy of his heritage. The braid becomes a powerful symbol for Frenchie, representing his pride, bravery, and the resilience of his people. His braid can also give him a sense of identity and a connection to his indigenous roots which he searches for throughout

Frenchie, throughout the novel, has demonstrated his bravery by protecting his family and friends, “My job was to hunt, and scout, and build camp, and break camp, to protect the others”. He has climbed high trees to get a better view of the land ahead to safely guide them. He has also hunted for food for the family. Hunting can be very risky in quite open woods when the Recruiters are after him and can be waiting. Although he hunts with different weapons such as a bow and a rifle he voluntarily puts himself in a position to potentially get taken. Frenchie is always determined to prove his bravery. An example of him doing this is when they meet Travis and Lincoln while walking in the woods up north. He begins to walk the edges of the camp with Chi-Boy. “Us men. We'd be vigilant. Chi-Boy turned and started making his way through the trees.”, this quote shows how Frenchie is trying to adopt Chi-Boy's brave behaviour and become a “man”. “We'd be vigilant” demonstrates how he is attempting to be watchful and alert. He really tries to prove his worth in the family and wants to become a strong, brave young