Is The Use Of Stereotypes In 'The Marrow Thieves'?

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When dreams are sought after, then a battle for life and identity among native peoples is the storyline embedded in "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline. In a potential future setting, the book follows the lives of some indigenous folks whose bone marrow has been used to replace lost dreams. This narrative is employed by Cherie Dimaline, a renowned Métis writer, in order to bring out into the open the historical wrongdoings and ongoing injustices against these communities. It is important that people be compassionate about social injustices so they know how to deal with them. By knowing what the characters go through emotionally as well physically one gets encouraged to have a heart for their pain; it is this connection with the figures …show more content…

The book expresses different views which help the readers empathize with the characters on personal levels by fostering a feeling of identification. For example, Frenchie, who is the main character, describes what he feels when he is being hunted down for his bone marrow by the recruiters, thus bringing out more clearly both emotional and physical torture involved: “I missed my family so much it was like a constant ache in my chest” (Dimaline 45). This quote shows how deeply hurtful losing loved ones can be, hence making their suffering understandable to anyone who reads this sentence. The writer also reveals Miig’s standpoint as a leader among the group that sheds light on past events which led to their current situation; this knowledge would enable people not only to sympathize but also support these marginalized groups better: “They took our children, our language, our land. Now they want our dreams'' (Dimaline …show more content…

We remember everything” (Dimaline 120). Through such references, Dimaline shows that Indigenous resistance has never died and neither has their resilience. The author emphasizes the need for cultural preservation, telling stories therefore becomes significant in this case too. For example, Minerva, an old woman possessing traditional songs and legends, represents the richness and depth of indigenous knowledge systems; even when faced with adversity, her strength shines through a crisis moment where she sings a song from old times: “Her voice was strong, unwavering, a reminder of who we are and where we come from” (Dimaline 200). This kind of background information not only gives context to the line, but also serves as a powerful testament to the spirit of native communities. By addressing the characters’ challenges and problems in the realm of cultural and historical truths related to past events, the author acknowledges that oppression is systemic and still affects us all today. In conclusion, "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline is a powerful novel that has examples of survival, identity and empathy in Indigenous

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