Isolation In Joseph Boyden's Dances With Runner

It can be seen in both art and real life situations the negative and positive contributing factors which lead characters towards their uprising or downfall based on their choices. Often, the protagonist is primarily challenged by and opposing force, but in many cases the cause is character them self. This is true in the book "Through Black Spruce" by Joseph Boyden and the movie 'Dances with Wolves" directed by Kevin Costner. Both protagonists convey a side to them through relationships with animals during their period of isolation. Will's choices, however are egotistical and subjective, where as Johns choice to isolate himself can be attributed to his obligation and loyalty to his army. Johns journey guides him towards a new understanding of
When John first realizes a wolf is shadowing him, he is tempted to kill it, but instead, leaves it be and as a result it begins to grow on him. John names the wolf "Two Socks", and describes it as having "keen eyes and ears [that] alert [him] when something is wrong." A trusting alliance is formed in this part of the movie as John confides in the wolf. Furthermore, the significance of an animal close to John impacts him greatly as his emotional attachment and association to that animal is shown when it dies. When the slaughtered buffalo are discovered by John and the Indians, he characterizes that whoever would have done such a thing is "without value [and] without soul." John perceives the buffalo as sacred which is largely influenced by his new way of life. The appreciation John felt towards the buffalo, reflects his loss of something he honored. Conversely, Will demonstrates affection for an animal which provides him with company. In the novel, when Will is face to face with a bear, he chooses to spare it's life instead of killing it. Will develops a certain connection with the bear and enjoys its visits. Will states "My bear came to me, and she was old enough and smart enough to sniff carefully, but she learned to trust me, too."(JosephBoyden155) Will associates with the bear as his own and accredits a common ground of trust and assurance. With this in mind, when Will discovers his sow slaughtered in the forest, this demonstrates the destruction Will undergoes. He epitomizes the massacred bear describing is by saying "Your chest was exposed, the bald patches of your pale skin giving way to the rip of the knife that gutted you.... You were drained. And I was, too."(165) As a result, a part of Will was defeated as well, when the bear her took refuge in was left in