A dynamic, fictional character has the power to reveal the moralities and conducts of society. Archetypically illustrating Niska as the mother figure, the wise mentor, and the dependent child allow readers to appreciate and understand a woman’s historical ‘role’ in Canadian society. For instance, Niska’s difficult role of being the ‘mother’ to Xavier represents a woman’s unconditional task of nurturing and caring for her children. Likewise, Niska’s ability to mentor her nephew about life serve as an indication as to how a woman was supposed to lead her growing loved ones out into the real world. Not only that, Niska’s incompetence to grow without the support of a man signifies the lack of opportunities women had in a one-sided community.
