Mental Disorders In Joseph Boyden's Three-Day Road

One theory that causes many to get a mental disorder or illness is when people perceive something unpleasant, unfair, and blameworthy. Indicating why many get angry intensely than others. In the novel Three Day Road, by Joseph Boyden our protagonist, Elijah Whiskeyjack takes part in the World War I. he battles through many disorders the only way to cope with this was to take morphine. Over time Elijah depicts many stages of madness in the war, causing emotional instability. Using narcotics throughout the war impacts Elijah’s mentality making him insane by collecting scalps, becomes a windgo and relishes the challenge of assassinating others.

Throughout the novel Elijah collects scalps of the dead to indicate how many individuals he has taken the life of. Elijah collects scalps to refer them as rewards of killing. These scalps have made Elijah’s behaviour differ

after he has taken the morphine. His behaviour devotes from what is considered normal. His scalps are astonishing to him and shows them off too many and impel him to continue and collect many. For instance, “Elijah says. ‘All they did was stare when I showed them my trophies.’ He smiles at the memory,’ they [act] [nervous] around me after that. My reputation is sealed I think.’’’(pg.310) Elijah is trying to behave affectedly, so many can consider Elijah’s the best sniper around. Moreover, Elijah “Carries his scalps with him and has dried them out to prevent rot and strung them together. I don’t know how many he has…’ the French will respect me,’ he says, eyes glowing.’ I’m better than Peggy. He cannot take a scalp.”’ (pg.246) Elijah exhibits that he refers himself as ultimate and wants to take the top rank and out run Peggy, who also is known as the top. Overall, the scalps have been rewards for Elijah throughout the novel. The scalps have controlled him and have expressed frustrated anger.

Furthermore, with the shortage of food throughout the war many have to face starvation.

Due to the fact the lack food Elijah has gone insane and starts to consume human flesh, whom are known as a windgo. With starvation Elijah’s madness commences from the highness of his medicine causing him to take upon relentless actions. Where is best friend Xavier experiences his spirits, “The meat is gamy and a little tough.’ Is it a horse?’ I ask, pulling gristle from my mouth. Elijah smiles his wicked little boy smile.’ No. it Is human. German to be exact.”’(pg.310) Elijah is eating human meat for the only contentment for survival, turning himself into a windgo. Elijah has been eating many Fritz at the journey at war considering his friend Xavier will not notice at all but however Xavier mentions,” [Elijah] looks at me, a sad smile on his bloody face. He says something to me, something I can’t make out in the noise.” (pg.368) Leaving blood all over his face after a kill, is evident he instantly devours the dead’s flesh. Therefore, becoming a windgo is constructed under stress causing Elijah to become

aberrant.

In addition, Elijah feels the power of killing. During the war, morphine triggers Elijah to feel powerful of his shots. In fact, Elijah drove upon killing more than hunting. For example, Xavier states,” I remember him learning to love killing rather than simply killing to survive.” (pg.269) The impact on killing has taken over verses survival. A death is more significant rather than survival to keep your body full of energy. Also, Elijah enjoys the feeling of putting a soul to death. Such as, “Elijah says, that something in me [hardens] in the last months…Elijah [learns] the pleasure of killing.” (pg.283) Representing Elijah the power of killing in his hands has taken over rather than hunting. Creating great power in his hands of killing humans unchallenging. Moreover, Elijah enjoys the ability of killing and flaunts his skills to the crowd. Like Elijah describes,”’ How many Fritz you think I have killed?’ Elijah Shouts,’ Too many, I answer.”’(pg.304) Elijah displays his power, and how many Fritz he has shot controlling his sense of ability of killing many is right. As a result, feeling powerful routes Elijah to the evil of killing many others.

In the novel, morphine transforms Elijah’s madness throughout the war. Scalping many, becoming a windgo and feeling the power of killing all concludes a disorder that Elijah is facing in the trenches. Many are born with mental illness issues; others develop them through deep stress or tragic situations like Elijah. However, madness can usually occur where one is afraid of themselves and doesn’t know how to cope with it.