Examples Of Self-Sacrifice In The Marrow Thieves

Lucy Haid
ENG1D
Ms. Giovinazzo
May 8, 2023

Self-Sacrifice: A Defining Characteristic Present In Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves Self-sacrifice can be defined as an unselfish relinquishing of one’s own safety or well-being in order to help others. In situations of extreme oppression, oftentimes self-sacrifice comes through as a means for survival. In The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, self-sacrifice is apparent throughout, especially as the Indigenous characters suffer under the now-oppressive dystopian society that has been established by the government — who also persecutes them for their bone marrow, which is said to contain their dreams. The worldwide population’s — excluding the Indigenous peoples’ — loss of the ability to dream is what set the plot of the novel in motion, and further brought the main characters together. The main characters, a group consisting of children, teens, and elders, face oppression

Mitch, Frenchie, and Minerva are examples of characters that demonstrate selflessness in difficult situations in order to help others. Mitch sacrifices himself to protect his younger brother Frenchie, Frenchie sacrifices himself for Miig and the rest of the group by testing a potentially electrified fence, and Minerva sacrifices herself to the recruiters to protect the rest of the group. Their actions demonstrate the importance of selflessness in situations of extreme oppression, and how self-sacrifice can be used as a means for survival. Through these characters, Cherie Dimaline calls attention to the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples in our world that face systemic oppression and marginalisation, as well as how selflessness and care for others can assist in the fight against oppression. Overall, The Marrow Thieves represents the importance of solidarity and sacrifice in the struggle for equality and