Moon of the Crusted Snow: The Most Insightful Literary Theory

The theory that provided the most insight for me was the archetype theory.  As I was reading the book, almost form the onset, I realized that the hero is Evan Whitesky.  In my opinion, Evan was a grounded person that knew what his role was for his family and for the community he lived in. Evan lived in a small Anishinaabe community with his family and lifelong friends.  At the beginning of the book, Evan is spending the day hunting for food for his family so they will have food for the long winter. 

The time when we really see Evan as a hero, is when the community was struck with a crisis.  The community lost power and all communication to the outside world.  Evan prepared his family for the crisis with enough food and wood to keep them going through the winter.  He then joined the community council to assist is keeping the people safe and up to date with information they needed to survive the crisis.  Evan, provided comfort to his wife and children as well as those in the community. 

Evan was always present in meeting when decisions were made about starting the generators as well when to start handing out food from the stored food supply.  Evan was going door to door to gather information on food supplies so when in came time to give out food it would be rationed properly.

When a visitor unexpectedly showed up in the community, Evan became very protective and never gave in to the visitor’s comments of doing his part to help the community.  The visitor Scott, challenged the way the community was handling the crisis and Evan became very defensive.  He never trusted Scott and was determined to get him out of the community. 

Evan eventually risks his life by confronting Scott about stealing a body for food.  In the end, Evan dies at the hands of Scott and Evan dies at the hands of a visitor.

I really enjoyed reading about Evan’s journey and struggles throughout the book.  The archetype theory was very evident through all of Evans actions, words and strength.  He was instrumental in keeping peace in the community as well as being the loving father figure and husband to his family.  Evan overcame all obstacles in front of him and finally faced his fear at the end by confronting the one person that had challenged his character and heritage.  Evan died a hero.


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