After reading the novel Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden, I found that the characters could be related to several different archetypal characters.
The Mother Figure / Mentor
Niska played the role of the mother figure and mentor to her nephew Xavier and others who came to her for help and guidance. She has a lot of wisdom and experience that she learned from her Father and passed on to Xavier. “You had very little knowledge of any of it, and so I taught you everything I could” (Boyden 219). Niska often was willing to help others, even if it put herself in uncomfortable situations. For example, there were several times through the book when she had to travel up the river into town. She felt misplaced there because she wore different clothes, looked different from the others around her and received strange looks and comments. Her strength and will helped to push her through these moments. When Xavier returned from war, he was very weak, injured and severely depressed. Niska cared for him constantly on their three day trip home. These traits and characteristics that Niska possesses are what make her a mother figure and mentor to those around her.
The Trickster
Elijah is an excellent example of the archetypal character of the trickster. He is laid back, likeable, thinks in the moment, and tries to make the best of a bad situation. In the book he speaks with a different accent so that he fits in with the other Canadians around him. He developed this habit in residential school where he would talk his way out of trouble:
“Elijah learned to talk his way out of anything, gave great long speeches so that his words snaked themselves like vines around the nuns until they could no longer move, just shake their heads hopelessly at the pretty little boy who could speak their tongue like one of their bishops.” (Boyden 59)
Elijah often got carried away with his words, and told stories to the other soldiers to help pass the time. His storytelling made him more popular among the soldiers because he helped lift their spirits.
The Hero
The main character Xavier, is an excellent representation of the hero. Although he is shy, quiet, and likes to keep to himself, he always stands for what he believes in. He doesn’t look for praise every time he accomplishes something, unlike his friend Elijah. I also believe that he is mentally strong because he doesn’t give into his temptations easily. There were many soldiers around him, including Elijah, who became addicted to morphine. Xavier was tempted to try it several times, however he knew it would not end well, so he resisted. Being a hero also means that he had to make difficult decisions in order to make things right:
“How long have I stayed here, straddling my friend, staring down as my tears leave streaks in the dirt and blood of his dead face? Finally, I sit back and grasp my knees, rock slowly as the shells scream in and explode all around me. My friend lies still, arms stretched out from his body as if he welcomes the sky.” (Boyden 370)
This quotation was taken from the book just after Xavier killed Elijah. Xavier decided that Elijah needed to be killed because he had gone windigo (become a cannibal). This was an exceptionally difficult decision because it meant saving his best friend’s life, which would mean others would not be safe, or kill him and save the lives of others. In the end he made the right choice to kill Elijah in order to prevent more death.
Symbolism ~ Water
Three Day Road is set on a river. Water represents many things including purity, rebirth and cleansing. Rivers are flowing, so they often represent the cycle of life. I think that this is applicable in the book because on the journey home, Niska tries to purify Xavier of his difficult times overseas at war, and she tries to heal him of his physical and mental wounds.
Works Cited
Boyden, Joseph. Three Day Road. Penguin Canada, 2005.
Davies, Stephen. “The Myth of Heroism.” AIER, 4 Nov. 2019, http://www.aier.org/article/the-myth-of-heroism/.
Decor.com. “Nao by Lladro Mother Figure.” Distinctive, n.d., http://www.distinctive-decor.com/nao-lladro-mother-figure.html.
n.a. Quora, n.d., http://www.quora.com/What-is-the-role-of-joker-in-different-card-games.
“Three Day Road Summary.” Jamessaunderseng, 8 June 2012, jamessaunderseng.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/three-day-road-summary/.
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