Three Day Road Analysis

Negative Associations with Language Conversely to the positive portrayal of language as a powerful supernatural force, there are also many negative depictions of the power of words in Three Day Road. These negative examples serve to represent the dangers that arise as a consequence of power. Primarily, the motif of words being a weapon reoccurs throughout the novel. Boyden employs metaphors that relate words to snares and snakes, weapons that the speaker can use to manipulate people. This is exemplified through Elijah primarily as he has “learned to talk his way out of anything” (59) and is able to create stories out of exaggerated truths that gain him favour with his superiors. Similarly, rum is considered a “sly and powerful weapon” (46) introduced by the

The use of rum as a weapon results in Niska’s father’s death as he is arrested as a murderer due to rumours of him being a windigo killer. She explains that her “father was led away with his big hands bound behind him” (47), evidently the westerners use the Cree love of stories against them. Their words become prison sentences that incriminate them in the eyes of a new western society. Boyden shows the devious nature of the English people and uses diction to associate the English tongue with deceit and lies creating a negative connotation. Xavier concludes that “their tongue is better for lies” (51). The English language is associated with lies from the beginning when Grey Eyes describes the women waiting for him at home which is a fantasy he has constructed. Even the letter that delivers Xavier the information that his Aunt Niska is dead is written in English, that is misinterpreted. The letter informs him that “you are the last of your family” (318), despite his Aunt still being alive. Immediately the author establishes a negative connotation with the English language for Xavier, it is something that represents distrust and pain. Additionally, words are used in a