The Marrow Thieves: A Dystopian Future of Dreams Lost

Introduction

"The marrow thieves" is a novel written by Cherie Dimaline and it depicts a futuristic world that has been destroyed by global warming. The book is dystopian as it shows a broken world with no system of governance in place and one that has been damaged by tsunamis, earthquakes and devastating tornados that causes millions of people to die. Despite this, the story is set in a future where the people are unable to dream, and this shortcoming has a negative psychological effect. By narrating the story of Frenchie, Miigwans and the rest of the indigenous community, Dimaline highlights the problem of the natives in Canada in their effort to survive and also how various human activities could have a far-reaching consequence to the environment.

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As the world advances, nations have sought to explore the natural resources through the extraction of oil, gas, and mining industries. These explorations in the recent years have invaded areas that were reserved for the indigenous people in Canada, and in what most critics have termed as greed by the government, these people have been left without homes or proper places to live. Therefore, "the marrow thieves" uses science fiction to criticize the past actions of the government towards the native communities in Canada. By the author depicting these people as endangered and haunted for their bone marrows which can cure the psychological problems, she is showing how the government and big corporation go after their land, to extract the precise resources that leave the natives endangered and displaced. Similarly, the actions of the government have adverse effects on the environment as toxic gases are released and contribute to the accumulation of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

By definition, dystopia is a society that is undesirable, frightening and riddled with high levels of crime, illnesses, poverty and violence. Based on Dimaline description, the community in which the book is set is both unpleasant and dehumanizing. The indigenous people have developed some form of resistance to the challenge of being unable to dream, an advantage that puts them in grave danger. They are haunted for their marrow to be extracted so that it can create a serum to cure the sick people. Dimaline creates the story around a 16-year-old Francis, who goes by the nickname of Frenchie and is found by a native elder called Miigwans after the recruiters capture his brother and mother. In this story, people are primitive and have developed crude tactics to survive. Also, the scientists are less brilliant as they are unable to truly identify and replicate the components that enable the natives to develop the resistance to the psychological disorders plaguing the none-indigenous people. Instead, they allow people to go on the rampage and kill the natives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dimaline tells this story not only as a science fiction, but one that relates to the events that happen in the world and could negatively harm other people. The story talks about the problematic history of the native communities and the challenges they go through to survive in modern Canada. Past atrocities such as genocide and mass displacements of the indigenous have also been crafted brilliantly into the story. By depicting a harsh dystopic future, Dimaline wanted the people always to remember that everyone should respect other people, as the human fate is interchangeably intertwined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Essay:

How does the lack of dreams affect the characters in the book?

In the story, the characters' inability to dream has severe psychological consequences. The loss of dreams not only impacts their mental well-being but also makes them vulnerable to dangers in this dystopian world, where their dreams hold both spiritual and practical significance.

What social and historical issues does the book explore?

"The Marrow Thieves" delves into the troubled history of indigenous communities in Canada, reflecting on past atrocities such as genocide and mass displacement. It highlights the ongoing struggles these communities face in modern society due to exploitation and marginalization.

How does the book address themes of human greed and exploitation?

The novel portrays a future where corporations and the government exploit the indigenous community's unique biological trait for personal gain, emphasizing themes of human greed and disregard for the well-being of others and the environment.