ipl-logo

Indian Horse Sparknotes

3669 Words15 Pages

Indian Horse In the book Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, Saul gains relationships through community. The Kellys provide Saul a place to call his home and they create a bond beyond just the billet family. Secondly, The land around Saul gives him a sense of family, the land is full of life to encourage Saul to not give up and he's not alone. Lastly, hockey offers Saul love and a feeling of worthiness that he is lacking while being at St. Jerome's Indian Residential School. Throughout this novel Saul has to persevere through some difficult situations, which then demonstrates how family doesn’t come from blood, it comes from the connection that is created. The Kelly family acted as the family he lost. When Saul is chosen to join a …show more content…

In the novel, Richard Wagamese focuses a lot of time on describing the land in each new situation of Sauls lifes. In chapter 5, they arrive at Gods Lake “Our canoes skimmed along and as I wanted the shoreline it seemed the land itself was in motion.” (18), this gives the idea of the land being alive, it provides a spirit relationship to Saul wherever he is. If he looks out and sees the alive-like land it will give him hope that he will be okay and that his culture and relatives will be with him. In chapter 11, Saul is taken to St. Jerome's Indian Residential School. On his drive there he describes the way he sees the land “There were no trees around it, only shrubs.” (43). This demonstrates how the plot and the events were going to change in this book for the worse. The deliberate choice of describing how there were no trees showed the loss in hope and the loss of identity Saul was going to experience. I reached out to touch the broad span of ferns, the trunk of trees, leaves, grasses.” (204), this is said after Saul goes back to God's lake to feel at peace with himself and his culture again. All throughout the long fight of sustaining hope from all of the trauma, he had the land for comfort and when he saw life in the land he felt like he wasn’t alone. The land is a major contributor to Saul's journey, it made him feel connected to his past and gave him motivation for a better

Show More
Related

  • The Influence Of Groups In Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

    1454 Words  | 6 Pages

    As socialization's effects are inevitable, we are constantly influenced by groups. However, regardless of the groups we are influenced by, the one concept that is absolute is our reliance on the sense of togetherness that seldom dissolves. The concept is explored in the novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese and the short story "Borders" by Thomas King, both of which emphasize characters who have been influenced by cultural assimilation. Indian Horse is a journey of Saul Indian Horse, a young Indigenous child who lost their family due to assimilation and was forced to attend a residential school. “Borders” is a journey of a Blackfoot mother who desires to visit her daughter in Salt Lake City, separated from her Blackfoot background; both emphasizing

    Read More

  • Effective Use Of Language In Sauls Indian Horse

    599 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the scene, Father Leboutilier and Saul state, “I’m proud of you, Saul.” We were parked in the hall’s lot by then and he grabbed me and pulled me across the seat to hold me close. I could hear his breathing. When he let me go I could feel his eyes on me,”(Wagamese 179). This demonstrates the effective use of language by the author because while reading this scene readers feel a certain way.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

    1340 Words  | 6 Pages

    By travelling to God's Lake, Naomi teaches Saul the value of their heritage and customs, by

    Read More

  • Saul Indian Horse Sparknotes

    1014 Words  | 5 Pages

    Shortly after, he travels to God’s lake to reunite with them spiritually. This connection is very significant as it was one of many things the residential school erased from his indigenous identity. In indigenous culture, it is extremely important to be in tune with your ancestors and community. This is because they believe that a strong relationship with them leads to a secure connection with one’s roots and heritage as it gives them a sense of identity. Moreover, after reconnecting with his ancestors, Saul finally has the support he needs to mourn and heal from all he has been through.

    Read More

  • What Is The Theme Of Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

    747 Words  | 3 Pages

    First, in the novel Indian Horse, the main character, Saul, forms relationships with his community allowing guidance and support after his time at a residential school called St. Jerome. Saul discovers people who treat him well while directing him through the challenge of dealing with the remaining trauma experienced at St. Jerome. Saul is introduced to a family who refers to them as the Kelly family; they consider him part of their community. Saul makes use of their relationship to cope with the struggles of enduring trauma and develop as a person. Fred Kelly states “We all wanted to go out and find you, but we know we couldn’t.

    Read More

  • Journey In Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse

    1114 Words  | 5 Pages

    Through the Medicine Wheel, we are reminded of our lifelong journey that is continuous upon birth and living through youth, adulthood and senior years. In Richard Wagamese’s Indian Horse, the protagonist Saul experiences many obstacles which shape and develop his character. Saul’s life can be divided into more than the four stages of life to better understand his journey. Saul’s Life with His Family The time Saul was able to spend with his family was very short due to the effects of the white men.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Escapism In Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse

    1019 Words  | 5 Pages

    When he was getting acquainted with his lumbering job, Saul states, “When I came back from the bush I’d huddle in my bunk and read”(113). This imagery displays that no matter how often he reads, or how lost in a book he is, he always ends up back in reality trying to come to terms with his past. Therefore, reading only provides a temporary escapism for Saul as he searches for

    Read More

  • Indian Horse Racism Analysis

    2034 Words  | 9 Pages

    Racism has been present in society since forever, maybe even the very first day that two men of different races met. Racism is defined as “the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.” Usually racism is a belief that a person with a certain race has better abilities,  attributes and skills. If this belief is to distinguish as superior it can have tragic events occurring between two types of groups. An example of two types of groups that have separated into an image of rivalries fueled with competition are the ‘Whites’ and the ‘Indians’, as shown in the novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, where the devastating effects of racism and discrimination are evident in the protagonist Saul Indian Horse, for his spirit is nearly broken all together by them, most notable in how he was forced to live in a cruel Residential school, he endured taunting in the hockey world, and bullying in the work force, affecting a lifelong struggle with severe depression and alcoholism.

    Read More

  • The Development Of Friendships In Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

    590 Words  | 3 Pages

    Friendships are a learning experience that can make or break people. In the novel, Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese it is evident that their friends help characters. Father Leboutiller helps Saul find his passion for hockey. The Kelly family allow Saul to develop as a person. The Moose hockey team helps Saul develop in hockey.

    Read More

  • Indian Horse Sparknotes

    1204 Words  | 5 Pages

    ilience Richard Wagamese's "Indian Horse," is a story about Saul Indian Horse, a residential school student. Throughout most of the novel, he goes by the name Saul. The book revolves around Saul's life journey and the profound impact that his Indigenous heritage and experiences, thereof have had on him. “I was sore inside” (Wagamese 48) After being forcibly taken from his family, “ The tearing away of the bush and my people was like ripped flesh in my belly.” (Wagamese48), Saul endures the harsh and abusive environment of St. Jerome's Indian Residential School.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Trauma In Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse

    943 Words  | 4 Pages

    Trauma has profound and far-reaching effects on the human mind, shaping the victim’s identity, and leaving a lasting impression that cannot be easily erased. Nonetheless, despite the pain and suffering it causes, trauma can be a catalyst for personal growth. This is the theme of Richard Wagamese's novel, Indian Horse. The novel depicts the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse that Saul endures at St. Jerome’s (residential school), as well as the lifelong consequences that result. This essay will examine the abuse Saul witnesses and undergoes, how his experiences shape his identity, and his journey towards healing.

    Read More

  • Optimism In Waters Of Babylon

    148 Words  | 1 Pages

    The “Waters Of Babylon” is an optimistic story. The story revolves around the protagonist John as he makes his way to the forbidden “Place of the Gods”. Once in the Place of the Gods he realizes that this place was not inhabited by Gods but instead by humans (page 8). After this epiphany, John understands that his people could accomplish the achievements from past. On page 8 he says, “Nevertheless we make a beginning . . .

    Read More

  • God's Power In Verses 3-6

    595 Words  | 3 Pages

    This is speaking of the mountain quaking at the presence of God. Verses 5-6, God questioned why the most fixed of geographical features, such as water and mountains, could not resist His power and will. In Verse 5, it states "What thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, [that] thou wast driven back?

    Read More

  • Literary Techniques Used In Philip Larkin's Essay 'Here'

    601 Words  | 3 Pages

    He describes the land outside the city as “unnoticed,” “hidden,” “neglected,” and “isolated.” This differs from the crowded city environment that the speaker did not approve of. The author also portrays the “unfenced existence” of the space, such as a bird flying through the sky or a fish swimming through the sea. Lastly, the speaker concludes with repetition of the word “here.” By using this technique, he displays his excitement for the new land around him.

    Read More

More about Indian Horse Sparknotes

Open Document