Joshua Citron Ms. A. Kanopoulos ENG3U 17 April 2024 Subconscious Hopes and Dreams In the Anishnaabe Community Dreams often reveal what is going on in our minds, even if we are unaware of them. In Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, the characters' dreams reflect their emotional states as they navigate challenging circumstances and face outside threats. For instance, Dan's dream of a burning hill shows the community's underlying fear of outside threats. In comparison, Nicole's dream of sinking into the snow alongside her children reflects her concern for their vulnerability and the protective role she carries. Evan's dreams of driving through heavy snow and encountering a wendigo highlight his fear of being trapped and facing danger, such as Justin Scott. In …show more content…
Evan's thoughts of his family waiting for him at home add a layer of personal stakes to the ordeal, representing the responsibilities and expectations that rest on individuals within the community. This personal connection to his family brings a deeper emotional dimension to his efforts to overcome the obstacles, symbolizing the broader communal effort to sustain and protect each other amidst crises. Evan's second dream serves as a warning of the dangers lurking within the community. Evan dreams of encountering a wendigo, an evil spirit from Anishinaabe folklore, in the form of Justin Scott. He recalls, "He saw the thin figure of a wendigo standing at the edge of the snowbank, its arms outstretched. He realized he was staring at Justin Scott" (Rice 124). Evan's dream presents a chilling portrayal of the threat posed by individuals like Justin, who exploit the vulnerabilities of the community for personal gain. The wendigo, a symbol of maliciousness and greed in Indigenous folklore, embodies the darkness and danger lurking within their