The first Abenaki word I ever learned was Bitawbagok – the word they use for Lake Champlain. It means, literally, the waters between. Since I've come back from Quebec, I have thought of my address as Bitawkdakinna. I don't know enough Abenaki to be sure it's a real word, but translated, it is the world between. I had become a bridge between the natural world and the human one. I fit into both places and belonged to neither. Half of my heart lived with the wild wolves, the other half lived with my family.
In Jodi Picoult's "Lone Wolf," the narrator reflects on their connection to both nature and humanity, using the Abenaki word "Bitawbagok" for Lake Champlain, meaning "the waters between." This word symbolizes the narrator's unique identity, as they navigate life between two worlds—nature and family. After returning from Quebec, they adopt the name "Bitawkdakinna," suggesting they are part of both realms, yet fully belonging to neither. It's an exploration of the duality of existence and the struggle of finding one’s place.
The narrator feels a deep bond with wild wolves, representing their connection to the natural world, while also cherishing their familial ties. This duality leaves them with divided emotions, as half of their heart resonates with the wilderness while the other half remains with loved ones. The narrative conveys a poignant sense of belonging and alienation, highlighting the profound struggle of reconciling these two aspects of identity. Ultimately, it paints a vivid picture of the dual connections that define their life.
