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Analyzing The Roots Of Saul Indian Horse

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Analyzing the Roots of Saul Indian Horse's Abuse through Routine Activity Theory.

What are the perfect conditions to commit a crime? This complex question demands a comprehensive analysis, taking into account the perspectives of both the perpetrator and the victim. In Richard Wagamese's 2012 novel "Indian Horse", the protagonist Saul Indian Horse endures devastating abuse at St. Jerome's Residential School. Father Leboutilier preys on Saul's vulnerability, manipulating it to commit atrocious offences against him. Routine activity theory presents a systematic approach to comprehending the dynamics of criminal behaviour. According to this theory, three key elements must align for a crime to take place: a motivated offender, a suitable target, …show more content…

"Motivated offenders" in the routine activity theory are described as individuals who possess both the willingness and ability to engage in criminal activity (Shymko). Father Leboutilier depicts his willingness and ability to engage in criminal behaviour through a premeditated plan. The first step of this plan involves deliberately placing himself in an environment that presents opportunities to execute criminal acts efficiently. He accomplishes this by obtaining a position at St. Jerome's residential school where the power dynamic firmly establishes the complete authority of the institution's members over Indigenous children with no oversight or accountability. The shortfall of accountability becomes apparent as Saul bears witness to Lonnie's repeated beatings until he eventually collapses, while Father Quinney passively stands by and watches (Wagamese 46). Instead of holding the nun accountable for her actions, Father Quinney permits the unimaginable to become normalized. This norm and power dynamic allows Father Leboutilier to exert control over vulnerable children without fear of retribution, amplifying the potential for his criminal actions. To progress his plan, Father Leboutilier’s …show more content…

Routine activity theory provides insights by explaining that a crime requires the presence of a suitable target (Shymko),without such a target, the motivated offender lacks the necessary incentives to commit a crime (Shymko). Motivated offenders consider two primary factors when determining an individual as a suitable target. The first factor is the absence of an effective guardian who can prevent criminal acts. In the absence of one, the likelihood of criminal activity increases significantly (Shymko). Potential offenders are aware that there is no one to hold them accountable or prevent their actions. In Saul's case, Naomi acts as a suitable guardian, ensuring his safety and preventing him from becoming a target; every moment spent under his grandmother's care guarantees protection. However, when Naomi becomes incapable of caring for Saul, he abruptly enters a state of complete vulnerability. This is when Saul becomes a target, as he is kidnapped and taken to a residential school: "Somebody lifts [him] up and … the old woman's arms fall away. [He] reaches out to her, shouting in a mixture of Ojibway and English'' (Wagamese 42). While Naomi's goal is to protect Saul from the horrors of residential schools, when she is unable to ensure his safety, he tragically becomes a vulnerable target. Vulnerability is the second factor in becoming a suitable

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