Indian Horse': The Themes of Injustice and Inspiration in The Book

The story 'Indian Horse' provides compelling examples of Injustice and Inspiration. The book vividly illustrates instances of Injustice through recurring themes such as racism and loneliness. Additionally, the narrative contains several moments of Inspiration that ignite Saul's hope for the future. The author adeptly portrays the challenges and emotions faced by Saul, allowing readers to empathize with his experiences. The events in 'Indian Horse' can be quite somber and harsh, and witnessing Saul's resilience in overcoming adversity showcases his remarkable character.

Injustice in 'Indian Horse'

The book underscores Injustice through parallel themes. To begin with, at the outset of the story, Saul's parents desert him following a dispute over his deceased brother, Ben. Stranded with his grandmother, Naomi, on God's Lake, Saul endures abandonment: 'The adults never came back' (Wagamese 34). This poignant example highlights a grave Injustice, as parents should never forsake their children. The lingering sorrow stemming from Saul and Naomi's prolonged wait underscores the heart-wrenching nature of the situation. This abandonment contributes to Naomi's tragic demise as she sacrifices herself to protect Saul. Had Saul's parents returned, he might have been shielded from the harsh elements, such as the cold, which ultimately led to Naomi's death. Furthermore, during Saul's interaction with the Toronto men while playing hockey, the intensifying racism becomes unbearable. His enthusiasm for the sport wanes, and the special vision that granted him exceptional skill diminishes: 'There was no more joy in the game now, no vision' (Wagamese 176). This constitutes another form of Injustice, as racism is never justifiable. Saul's transformation into a troubled and embittered individual due to the racism he endures is a profound Injustice. This bitterness ultimately contributes to his heavy drinking, a misguided attempt to cope with the deep-seated anger stemming from the discrimination he faces. Lastly, shortly after Naomi's passing, Saul is enrolled in St. Jerome's Indian Residential School, a painful experience that exacerbates his suffering. 'St. Jerome’s took all the light from my world. Everything I knew vanished behind me in an audible swish, like the sound a Moose makes when it disappears into spruce' (Wagamese 34). The detrimental impact of residential schools is evident, further underscoring the theme of Injustice. Saul loses not only his loved ones but also his cultural identity and heritage. With the exception of Father Leboutillier, Saul lacks genuine care and support from those around him. In summary, 'Indian Horse' effectively portrays Injustice through recurring themes.

Inspiration in 'Indian Horse'

Conversely, the book contains instances of Inspiration that ignite hope within Saul. To commence, Saul's introduction to hockey by Father Leboutillier kindles a passion that provides solace and escape. 'The game loved you, he’d said, and right there, right then, I loved it back' (Wagamese 77). This serves as a source of Inspiration, illustrating that even in the darkest times, there exists a glimmer of hope. Hockey becomes Saul's refuge, granting him moments of happiness amidst the turmoil, especially during his time at the residential school. Following his expulsion from the school's hockey team, Saul's life takes a pivotal turn when he moves in with the Kelly family. This transformative event offers Saul a supportive environment: 'I didn’t know what to do so I stuck my hand . Father Leboutillier gave it a firm shake, then pulled me to him. I felt his hand cradle the back of my head. ‘Go with God,’ he whispered' (Wagamese 98). Saul's integration into the Kelly family symbolizes a hopeful turning point, providing him with a sense of belonging and the chance to continue playing hockey. Lastly, Saul's decision to seek help and overcome his alcohol addiction at the New Dawn Centre signifies a powerful act of Inspiration: 'The social workers told me about the New Dawn Centre. They said it was the best place for Native people to get help' (Wagamese 190). This step towards recovery demonstrates the possibility of positive change, showcasing that even when situations seem dire, there is room for improvement. Saul's recovery and the healing process underscore the potential for a brighter future. In conclusion, the book 'Indian Horse' skillfully depicts moments of Inspiration that foster Saul's hope for the future.

Conclusion

Overall, the story of 'Indian Horse' masterfully captures both Injustice and Inspiration. Through its portrayal of Saul's struggles and triumphs, the narrative explores the complexities of the human experience, resonating with readers and offering profound insights into the human spirit's capacity to endure and transcend challenges.

References

1. Wagamese, Richard. 'Indian Horse.' Douglas & McIntyre, 2012.

2. Eigenbrod, Renate. 'Violence and Healing in Richard Wagamese's 'Indian Horse'.' Studies in American Indian Literatures, vol. 25, no. 1, 2013, pp. 1-25

3. Kuokkanen, Rauna. 'Restructuring Relations: Indigenous Self-Determination, Governance, and Gender.' Oxford University Press, 2007

4. Smith, Andrea. 'Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide.' South End Press, 2005.

5. Campbell, Maria. 'Indigenous Healing: Exploring Traditional Paths.' Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, vol. 52, no. 1, 2018, pp. 21-37.

6. McCormack, Ailsa. 'The Imaginative Healing of Trauma in Richard Wagamese's 'Indian Horse'.' Canadian Literature, vol. 230-231, 2016, pp. 137-153.

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7. Rice, Wayne K. 'Native Stories of Survival: Twelve Native American Voices.' University of Nebraska Press, 2013.