Joseph Boyden's Three-Day Road

What one may seem like they are doing does not always correlate to their true intentions. It is important to understand the reasoning behind one's actions before passing judgement. In Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road, Xavier struggles to adapt to the horrid truth of warfare, which requires him to act against his morals. Xavier is wrong to think that there is no obligation for him to act upon any situation unless it directly has an impact on him. Xavier attempts to show his skills as a great shot himself, only with the idea of trying to fit in with the group, but results in the complete opposite. As Xavier learns the truth that has become of his friend Elijah, he builds up the courage to do what is only best for the greater good. The harsh conditions as a soldier leads Xavier to change his view on the value of human life in order to preserve his own innocence. One does not always bother to do something unless it proves benefits to oneself. The idea of selfishness is
It does not take much to keep the attention once one has already received it. Xavier comes to believe that he should be the soldier that others expect him to be, similar to that of Elijah. As the only person who knew Elijah the most, Xavier knew that he was better and should be treated equally if not better than Elijah, “If I can do this I will no longer be so much the outsider. I will gain respect.” (100). Xavier’s lack of recognition from the battalion causes him to feel secluded and in need of sense of belonging. Xavier puts his relationship with Elijah on the line by embarrassing him and shooting the duck in front of the other soldiers after Elijah had missed, “Me, I won’t let them forget who I am.” (226). The only thing that Xavier wants is to be admired for his own gratification. Nevertheless, the greatest trade off that Xavier made for the respect from others is undoubtedly his own loss of respect for