Like his parents before him, Saul becomes an alcoholic—partly, it’s implied, as a reaction to the tragic turn his life has taken, and to numb the pain of having his dreams taken away from him. … Like many alcoholics, Saul uses drinking as an escape from his sadness.
Why did Saul become an alcoholic in Indian horse?
When Saul was haunted by the ghosts of his past such as the loss of his family, the loss of his identity, and the trauma from residential school experiences, he lost his moral compass, which resulted in being affected by alcoholism.
What is the white man’s drink in Indian horse?
Saul’s father, whose name is John Indian Horse, began selling berries to white men, in exchange for “spirits.” When Saul’s family drank these spirits, they became wild and frightening.
What causes Saul’s parents to turn to alcohol?
His parents were survivors who had turned to alcohol to cope with their traumatic experiences. His sister had been taken before he was born, and his brother, Benjamin, was taken after years of hiding from government authorities.
What is the symbolism in Indian horse?
The most important and explicit symbol in the book is the game of hockey. After being forced to attend St. Jerome’s school, Saul Indian Horse discovers that he’s a naturally gifted hockey player.
Why does Saul leave the moose?
Saul becomes a logger; harassed by coworkers, he viciously attacks one in retaliation. He rejoins the Moose, but plays very aggressively. When Saul realizes his teammates have stopped talking to him as a result of his violent playing, he leaves Manitouwadge once he turns eighteen.
Who hurt Saul in Indian horse?
Toward the end of Indian Horse, Saul Indian Horse remembers some information that he’s been repressing for many years. As a child, his beloved mentor at St. Jerome’s, Father Gaston Leboutilier, sexually abused him.
What is the significance of Naomi’s stories that she tells to the family?
The grandmother of Saul Indian Horse, Naomi is, in many ways, the key maternal figure in Saul’s life. A strong and sensitive woman, Naomi takes care of Saul by telling him stories, keeping him warm, and reassuring him that everything is going to be all right, even when it seems otherwise.
What is the significance of Gods Lake?
Gods Lake. Gods Lake symbolizes the value of personal heritage and family.
What does kitchi Animoosh mean?
Kitchi – Animoosh. Great Dog (the horse)
What chapter does Saul start drinking?
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Indian Horse, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. After his time on Ervin’s farm, Saul begins to drink even more.
What does Zhaunagush mean?
Zhaunagush. Definition: What the ojibway people called the white people. ”
Why is hockey important in Indian horse?
The most important and explicit symbol in the book is the game of hockey. After being forced to attend St. Jerome’s school, Saul Indian Horse discovers that he’s a naturally gifted hockey player. … Again and again, Wagamese uses hockey as a symbol for Saul’s life more generally.
What does the eagle feather symbolize in Indian horse?
These magnificent headdresses are made of eagle feathers. Each feather on the headdress represents an honor or incident of bravery. The more feathers a brave has, the more honored he is.
What does the moon represent in Indian horse?
The rice moon comes to Gods Lake, meaning that it’s time for the family to prepare for the upcoming harvest.
What is Father Leboutilier to Saul?
Leboutilier teaches Saul how to play hockey, and gives him endless encouragement and love. … Without Leboutilier, Saul leads readers to believe, Saul would never have developed his skills as a hockey player, and would have continued living at St.