"Halfway Post"

"Halfway" Post

Write down a passage that appeals to you and describe why?  Does it make more of an impact on your understanding of the book or does it make more of a personal impact? What significance does the passage have in the book? 

"At night in the dormitory, when all the other boys were asleep, I would get out of bed and stand in the aisle between the rows of cots, where the moonlight made the linoleum look like ice, and mimic the motion of stick-handling... Naturally, the force of my shot would take me to one knee. I would raise my arms in the hushed light of the dorm. My mouth would be open with glee and I would face the picture of Jesus hung there on the wall, my salvation coming instead through wood and rubber and ice and the dream of a game. I'd stand there, arms held high in triumph, and I would not feel lonely or afraid, deserted or abandoned, but connected to something far bigger than myself. Then I'd climb back into bed and sleep until the dawn woke me and I could walk back out to the rink again." (pg. 62)

After reading this passage from the book, it made me realize just how strong Saul's passion for hockey is. It created a powerful image in my mind and was one of the most impactful moments of the book for me. Through this passage, I felt Saul's joy for hockey and the pride it gives him. Visualizing Saul knelt there with his arms held high in triumph, I felt proud of him for finding his passion during a time when he is vulnerable and alone. He discovered his own salvation, rather than submitting to the one in the form of Jesus that was being forced on him at the residential school. By defying the beliefs of the school, Saul demonstrates just how determined he is to follow his own path. In fact, I believe Saul's passion for hockey saved his life. Without hockey to drive him forward, Saul would've soon become overwhelmed by the gruesome conditions and punishments in the school. This paired with the loss of his family probably would have been too much for Saul to handle, and he soon would have ended up taking his own life. Hockey provides Saul with a connection to something greater than himself, and it drives him to overcome the obstacles that he faces at school. This strong-willed boy has come so far already, but still has a long way to go... 

Identify and list examples of figurative language - metaphors, similes, symbolism, and so on - and explain what they mean or signify and how they add to the literary merit of the book.

There is a significant amount of figurative language that can be found throughout Indian Horse. Many of the similes and metaphors are linked with nature, and I believe that this is primarily due to how closely linked the Aboriginal culture is to nature and animals. For instance, at the end of his hockey team's scrimmage, Saul his accepted into the team huddle and then states, "We stood there like stallions home from the range." (pg. 71) This simile demonstrates how the boys were feeling after their practice. Stallions are powerful creatures that are filled with pride, and this shows just how strong and proud the hockey boys felt. This book also utilizes symbolism, and hockey is a significant symbol throughout the story. Saul's passion for hockey is what allows him to overcome his feelings of unease and being out of place at the school. Hockey symbolizes self-realization in this book, and it helps Saul to maintain the pride and self-worth that the school is attempting to steal from him.