Summary Of Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

Crafting Meaning: Language's Role in Indian Horse Richard Wagamese, the author of many successful books and written pieces, is a talented Ojibwe Canadian who adores his use of artistically descriptive language throughout his award winning novel, Indian Horse. Evident from the first opening sentences of the novel, Wagamese integrates his writing with varying sentence structures, metaphoric speech, intense imagery, and other writing techniques. The techniques in language have introduced stronger tones of writing, smoothly stated connections, and encouraged readers to remain engaged in their story. Richard Wagamese's strategic manipulation of language in Indian Horse demonstrates how literary devices act as impactful devices to communicate emotions,
The sentence structure can be specifically analyzed when he says, “My name is Saul Indian Horse”. I am the son of Mary Mandamin and John Indian Horse. My grandfather was called Solomon, so my name is the diminutive of his. My people are from the Fish Clan of the northern Ojibway, the Anishinabeg, we call ourselves” (Wagamese 1). Many authors begin their novels in creative ways and typically avoid beginning with a brief introduction of themselves as the protagonist; however, Wagamese's blunt opening sets a dark, somewhat weary emotional atmosphere that foreshadows the traumatic story to follow. By employing shortened sentences and a sudden introduction, Wagamese illustrates the following messages of Saul’s upcoming story and the overarching theme of identity. Furthermore, Wagamese strategically uses metaphors and similes to evoke emotional engagement and empathy throughout the novel. This can be seen through the use of a metaphor and simile when Saul recalls, “I was always surprised that [my mother] left footprints. There was nothing to her but
The author's metaphor when stating, “There was nothing to her but air,” signifies his mother’s emptiness and lack of consciousness after her son’s departure as she is described as filled with no emotion. Overall, this metaphor increases the reader’s empathy and sadness towards her state of mind as she becomes increasingly depressed. The simile, “she walked bent over like an old woman,” describes his mother’s depressive state and overall brokenness to aid the reader’s emotional understanding of the effect of Saul’s brother leaving. In addition, the first-person perspective of Saul’s story engages the reader’s ability to empathize and build a connection with him as he goes through life’s challenges. As readers experience a close-up understanding of Saul and his emotional and physical distress, readers can connect their troubles to his. The first-person perspective also allows his character to develop in a manner that readers can closely analyze as Saul offers a description of his emotional state of mind throughout. Overall, Wagamese’s language influences the emotional atmosphere of the scene, a reader’s engagement in the novel, and the connections readers can make to Saul’s