Theme Of Trauma In Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse

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.

Firstly, Saul's experiences as a survivor of Canada's residential school system demonstrate the physical, psychological, and

As he battles addiction and memories of his past, "[he] spoke less and drank more, and [he] became the Indian again; drunken and drooling and reeling, a caricature everyone sought to avoid." (147). Saul's addiction becomes a way for him to come to grips with the trauma he has endured, but it also reinforces his sense of alienation from the world around him. Saul observes as he reflects on his experiences that "There was a part of [him] that desperately wanted to close the gap [he] felt between [himself] and people. But there was a bigger part that [he] could never understand. It was the part of [him] that sought separation." (153). His sense of self and his relationship to the world have been shattered by his trauma, leaving him feeling isolated and alone, and unable to form relationships with others. Thus, it is apparent that these consequences convey the ongoing impact of residential schools on Saul, as the trauma and forced displacement inflicted by these institutions continues to resonate throughout his

Jerome's, he eventually finds a path to healing through hockey. This sport gives Saul a sense of belonging and identity that he has been lacking. After a game for the White River, Saul reflects on all the intricacies of his favourite sport, hockey, and what it means to be a part of a team. "In the spirit of hockey," he says, "I believed I had found community, a shelter and a haven from everything bleak and ugly in the world." (76). By focusing on his skills and his passion for the game, Saul is able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in his life. Additionally, hockey provides Saul with a sense of community, as he becomes part of a team and is able to connect with other players who share his passion for the game. Later in the novel, when Saul reflects on his journey, he begins to regret leaving his friends to work on the road. He tries drinking to fill the void but realises that only coming home will be his remedy: "I understood then that when you miss something, it leaves a hole that only the thing you miss can fill." (128). When Saul returns to Kelly's house, he is able to rediscover what he has been missing. He begins to open up about his experiences at St. Jerome's, Martha and Fred confide in him that they, too, experienced abuse. This allows Saul to lift a weight off his shoulders and finally face his truth. Overall, Saul's journey demonstrates how he used the power of hockey to heal his emotional wounds,