Devices

Joseph Boyden uses many tactics to strengthen plot in the novel, "Three Day Road." By using foreshadow techniques as well as imagery, the story becomes increasingly interesting with each use. The war becomes so vivid with the deadly bombs as well as the dreadful trenches. It all becomes so realistic. Suspense is also continuously builder up with hints of Elijah's downfall as well as the deaths of those fallen to the windigo hunter. As well, the author's ominous ending adds a nice touch where it allows the reader to interpret it either way, whether Xavier lived or died. On the death argument, three day road symbolizes the road to death and at the end of the book, that three day journey ends. However, there is no direct context that Xavier does end up dying so it can be interpreted either way.

Drug addiction

Drug abuse has been a recurring motif in the novel "Three Day Road" by Joseph Boyden. In comparison to today, Elijah and Xavier are prime examples of people who are under stress who resort to solutions like drugs. It is crucial that people should never use drugs as a ticket to happiness since drugs are merely a temporary solution to one's problems. Moreover, people should realize the immediate consequences of drugs. Many people do not realize the immediate effects of drugs and only view the pleasure to be instant while the consequences to be more long term. Today, drug abuse is a serious issue in today's society and should be regarded with caution.

Friendship

In many cases, our friends are the people that accompany us through the good times as well as the bad times, but what if our friends begin to drift away from their morals and act foolishly? In the novel, "Three Day Road" by Joseph Boyden, Elijah and Xavier have just reached a point in their friendship where things have started to go out of control. Xavier is forced to make a tough decision and ends up taking Elijah's life. Although not as severe, we should always support our friends but still be able to correct them if they do something wrong. It is important that friendships should be based upon trust and happiness rather than fear.