Indian Horse Lesson Plan

Why is it significant that Saul hits rock bottom when he is back in Northern Ontario, where he grew up? How does Saul's path to recovery tie into the theme of community?

Throughout the novel, Saul's present is informed by his past. When he returns to northern Ontario, the pain and trauma he has lived with bubbles to the surface. Saul starts to use alcohol to numb himself, suppress his pain, and hide from his past. Erv finds Saul in Redditt, the very place where Benjamin reunited with the family all those years ago. Erv helps momentarily rescue Saul and offers him the camaraderie that he was missing as he ran from his past. In fact, Saul's lack of community ties...