In the first chapters of Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden, we are introduced to an inseparable pair, Xavier and Elijah. During the prologue Xavier acts like a teacher or big brother with Elijah, telling him to say quiet throughout the hunt; both of them agreeing that they were best friends. As the story progresses Xavier tells Niska about him and Elijah's journey to volunteer for the Canadian army. As they were sleeping a forest fire, that had been moving their way, caught up to them. Elijah jolts Xavier awake, and takes off for cover, throughout all the confusion Xavier loses Elijah. When Xavier gets to the river after being worried sick and yelling for him, Elijah comes out of the river as though nothing was wrong. This scene, to me, suggests that Elijah didn't care to be worried about Xavier he was just worried about his own safety.
This event in the book leads me to believe this is foreshadowing the separation of the two. If Elijah just leaves Xavier behind like that doesn't it signify the beginning of their separation? In addition, throughout the book Xavier is left behind in Elijah's shadows because of his fluent English and how the other soldiers in his squadron seem to be drawn to him; leaving Xavier the outcast. As a result of Elijah's fame, Xavier becomes jealous. Xavier had taught Elijah his hunting skills and how to shoot, and there wasn't even a thanks to him for it. Another event causes Xavier to become envious when Elijah gets injured because he had rushed the placement of a machine gun; Xavier finishes placing the gun and pulls Elijah to the trenches safely. Even though Xavier had saved Elijah's life there was still talk of Elijah getting a reward and nothing for Xavier. These events are hurting their friendship and may cause the friendship to die.
I also believe that Xavier is going to separate because although he is a better sniper than Elijah his poor english stops him from standing up for himself. I also think that although Elijah started the separation that Xavier will carry it on and the two will grow farther apart.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the two will separate because of the envy of Xavier. It is only a matter of time before he confronts Elijah or loses his cool in front of the other soldiers over Elijah getting all the attention and glory. It may not have been Xavier that began the wedge going in between them but he will be the one to ultimately end the friendship in my opinion.
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