The Orenda By Joseph Boyden
In the novel, The Orenda by Joseph Boyden, power is a central theme, and is a hugely important aspect of conflict present in the lives of the male main characters. The aspiration to have control over enemies, and allies plays a crucial role in the thoughts and actions of the protagonists. Both these men, Bird and Christophe, have strong connections to the notion of power and dominance. This desire is can be seen throughout their culture and spirituality, particularly in their war time traditions. Caressing is a major way the First Nations of the time, Bird included, can have power over their enemies. This concept is hugely important for the outcome of the story. For Christophe, a Jesuit priest living with the Huron, his desire for spiritual
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Some, like Christophe, use their words to manipulate people into being controlled. One of the most powerful methods of dominating others is through a tradition known as ‘caressing.’ This is a term for the treatment prisoner receive when they are captured by an enemy. This torture method, used by both Huron and Iroquois, is one Christophe is forced to endure at the hands of the Iroquois. This painful experience is one meant to show dominance and power. For more than two days, he was jabbed with sharpened hot sticks, had his tongue removed, and was put through other equally painful treatments. The term caressing refers to the walk over hot coals and being ‘caressed’ with the hot embers. This procedure is done to make the prisoner cry out and beg for mercy. In his time with the Huron, Christophe has learned better than to give in, instead humming a hymn while facing his assault. The Iroquois do not expect this, but are impressed by the foreigner. He has proved how powerful he has become in the final moments of his life. The last part of the caressing, also the most brutal, epitomizes the power aspect of the torture. If the prisoner is strong willed, like Christophe, the heart is ripped out and eaten by those performing the caressing, in order to gain that man’s power. That action alone shows the importance power has in the culture and traditions represented in the
Some, like Christophe, use their words to manipulate people into being controlled. One of the most powerful methods of dominating others is through a tradition known as ‘caressing.’ This is a term for the treatment prisoner receive when they are captured by an enemy. This torture method, used by both Huron and Iroquois, is one Christophe is forced to endure at the hands of the Iroquois. This painful experience is one meant to show dominance and power. For more than two days, he was jabbed with sharpened hot sticks, had his tongue removed, and was put through other equally painful treatments. The term caressing refers to the walk over hot coals and being ‘caressed’ with the hot embers. This procedure is done to make the prisoner cry out and beg for mercy. In his time with the Huron, Christophe has learned better than to give in, instead humming a hymn while facing his assault. The Iroquois do not expect this, but are impressed by the foreigner. He has proved how powerful he has become in the final moments of his life. The last part of the caressing, also the most brutal, epitomizes the power aspect of the torture. If the prisoner is strong willed, like Christophe, the heart is ripped out and eaten by those performing the caressing, in order to gain that man’s power. That action alone shows the importance power has in the culture and traditions represented in the