Dependent

    The friendship between Xavier and Elijah has been made apparent from the very first chapters of the novel. The two have been best friends since they were just children and have continued to have a bond that has just become stronger over time up to the present when they are in World War 1. It is obvious that they are friends but does Xavier care about Elijah then perhaps Elijah cares for Xavier. I believe that Xavier has made Elijah a part of his identity throughout the years that they have been friends while Elijah still sees him as a good friend he is much more independent. This is ironic as Elijah would not be where he is without the help of Xavier. Xavier taught Elijah the majority of what he knows about hunting, tracking, and especially shooting. Elijah was the dependant one but now it seems that the tables have turned.
  
     A big reason that I really believe this is because when Elijah says that the army might split them up he shows no emotion while Xavier is clearly upset that they would think of doing that. " It will teach you a little about independence . It will give you a chance to make a name for yourself, to grow a little." (Pg. 102). This is when Elijah is telling Xavier that he should prepare himself if they get separated by the military and in the process says this which does not sit well with Xavier. Elijah is implying that Xavier is not his own person, that he depends on him in the military. The fact is not that Xavier is or is not dependent on Elijah but that Elijah is this harsh and rude in saying it to him, someone who is supposed to be his best friend. Another reason that I personally believe that Xavier cares more about Elijah is when Elijah is reckless and doers stupid things Xavier cares a great deal. A great example of this is when both Xavier and Elijah are sitting and they hear a moaning injured German soldier. Elijah jumped down into no mans land to kill him without telling Xavier. Xavier sat there very worried that Elijah wouldn't come back to him.

       I believe that with these reasons and the path that the novel is taking Xavier will soon realize that Elijah is not as great of a friend that he once was and they will begin to drift apart either because they get separated or because events between the two of them cause a fight between the two and will end their long lasting friendship.

Kane Charnstrom