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Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
The first paragraph indicates the significance of hockey to Saul as eloquent and epoch-making. Saul vividly uses hockey to escape from the acute turmoil existing in his school by having fun. The use of symbolism in this paragraph outlines hockey as a particular game that alienates Saul’s generation from its ancestors.
The affection and love of family depicted in this paragraph reproduce a sense of belonging to Saul, significantly when his father aids and joins him in celebration of victory. “Then he stood up and pulled me towards him” (Wamagene). This scenario indicates another use of symbolism in the first paragraph to express family love.
The paragraph gives a clear outline of Saul’s repression of secretive information for many years. Specifically, most of this information that has been bothering Saul includes the cases of terrible acts done to them several years ago. The significance of repressing is to let go of the thought of subscribing to the horrific acts that were done before.
The defamation of first habitants’ language, introduction, enforcement of residential schools, and colonization were the colonialists’ main tactics to traumatize the natives. All activities were done through intimidation of the ancient community and its traditional beliefs. The militia tactics mainly focused on the divide and rule method where the invaders caused a stir between the inseparable communities who finally turned against each other.
All through the paragraph, Wagamese can express his ability to create a disaster in Ben’s fatality by articulating his body’s void situation. He tries to convince the Reader and Saul that Ben will not be in a position to survive. Naomi is desperately making numerous attempts to save Ben’s life, and her actions on the same express her affection and love for Ben. Wagamese uses a tactful ironical approach to Naomi’s intentions proving the futility of her efforts to assist Ben to survive.
The same paragraph gives a foreshadow to the reader of an incoming conflict in Saul’s family situated at God’s lake. Furthermore, there is a great sense of irony when Saul’s family confidently walks towards the fire while Naomi is trying her best to save Ben. The splitting of the family commences here where the risk of losing Ben hits the family. The family is unable to handle the situation, and they move away from Ben and Naomi in finality and acceptance of a huge loss.
The extent of spirituality is depicted throughout the book as a symbolic way of linking people to their demise alongside their cultural belief. The “Indian Horse” acted as a spiritual; symbol.
Works Cited
Meland, Carter. “Indian Horse: A Novel by Richard Wagamese.” Native American and Indigenous Studies 6.1 (2019): 212-213.