Alcoholism In Richard Wagamese's Indian Horse

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Stories are much more than just ink placed in clean rows on paper or dialogues that travel through air columns. All stories transform worldly experiences into sources of inspiration and perspicuity and Saul Indian Horse’s story is no exception. In Richard Wagamese’s novel, Indian Horse, Saul Indian Horse explains the events that have resulted in him receiving treatment for alcoholism at a rehab centre. Readers are exposed to the former hockey player’s moments of triumph, failure, and everything that falls in between. Saul mentions in his story how a leisure pursuit like hockey granted him temporary freedom and happiness from his sorrow-filled life. Saul’s example can inspire First Nations individuals to remain resilient in the face of adversity. …show more content…

The Kellys are not only Saul’s adoptive family but are also a source of support. When Saul lives with the Kellys, the importance of having a support system like them does not dawn upon him because of his fear of forming relationships. Consequently, Saul decides to leave the Kellys because he believes that his self-imposed exile can be beneficial for him. Saul believes that if he detaches himself from human interaction, it will impede any further suffering. Saul states, “feels like I’ve had enough noise and people for a while” (Wagamese 178). Delving into his past is mandatory for Saul to write his story because in order for readers to understand his present state, they must know the events that have transpired beforehand. When Saul looks back on the past he is able to see what decisions and actions have benefited him and which have not. For example, Saul is able to realize that every time he distanced himself from others, he only suffered more. This revelation makes Saul understand that despite his past negative experiences with individuals whom he trusted in the past, he should not completely deprive himself of human interaction. Saul returns to the Kelly’s and no longer fears to show his vulnerable side with them. Saul’s return is proof of him understanding that giving his pain a voice and having other people listen is what will allow him to trek through the pain of the past and the pain that future adversities could cause. Writing his story not only serves Saul to consider the lesson he can learn from living in isolation but also provides First Nations individuals with a lesson on how to deal with

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