Looking through the generations reveals how trauma interconnects them and what it does over the generations. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese illustrates how trauma is passed down, how it changes people differently based on the generation, and how it can be overcome by unravelling it. These points allow for an understanding of how trauma runs through the generations. One idea Wagamese illustrates for generations is that trauma can pass down. This is shown by how Mary’s trauma helps form Saul’s trauma. When she was young, the abuse from the residential schools caused permanent trauma. Trauma changes people, and in this case, it causes a loss of self in Mary. Saul shows this with a description of her appearance. “There was a spectre in our camp... …show more content…
Again, proving the prolonged devastation wreaked on Mary. Mary's mental absence impacts Saul greatly, worsening when Mary physically leaves Saul. This is compounded when Naomi, who steps up to care for Saul, dies. All this became a catalyst for his trauma. His longing for a parental figure leads him to Father Gaston, a child predator. Mary’s trauma leads to Saul becoming more vulnerable to trauma. In this way, trauma passes down, forming trauma. His trauma, yet, is not the same as Mary’s, and likewise for Mary and Naomi’s trauma. The trauma of Mary and her mother affects them in different ways. Naomi experienced the arrival of the white settlers, but not residential schools. Meanwhile, Mary attended residential school. Residential school specialised in breaking the spirits of young indigenous children. As a result, Mary’s trauma affected her more than her mother’s. This has caused Naomi to keep more of her culture, while Mary has been indoctrinated to dislike her indigenous identity. For example, when Naomi says she will bury Ben the old way, Mary states, "Heathen... he is my son." We will take him to the priest.” (Wagamese