Symbols
This sport becomes Saul’s escape from trauma and his way of expressing emotions he can’t speak.
What is hockey
By the end of the novel, Saul begins healing by doing this.
What is telling his story and reconnecting with his identity?
Water in the novel symbolically represents this concept?
What is healing
This central theme explores the long‑term effects of Saul’s childhood experiences.
What is trauma?
This is the setting where Saul spends his early childhood.
What is the Ojibway community near the river?
As Saul reconnects with nature later in the novel, it symbolizes this process.
What is healing or reclamation of identity?
This family member’s disappearance deeply affects Saul and his family.
Who is Rachel or Benjamin
Descriptions of ice, snow, and motion are examples of this?
What is imagery
Residential schools attempt to erase this aspect of Saul’s life.
What is Indigenous culture?
This part of the plot introduces Saul to hockey; a new sense of purpose and escape.
What is Rising Action
This building symbolizes forced assimilation and cultural erasure.
What is St. Jerome's Residential School
These adults run St. Jerome’s Residential School.
Who is Father Quinney and Sister Ignacia
This point of view is used throughout the novel
What is first person p.o.v.
Hockey initially appears inclusive but later reveals this reality.
What is systemic racism?
The climax occurs when Saul finally remembers this traumatic experience.
What is Father Leboutilier’s abuse?
Alcoholism in the novel symbolizes this coping mechanism.
What is avoidance of pain?
These individuals adopt Saul when he is 14.
Who are the Kelly's
The non‑linear structure mirrors this aspect of Saul’s experience.
What is fragmented memory.
While hockey seems like salvation, it actually becomes this.
What is an escape from reality?
After reaching rock bottom, Saul enters this place.
What is New Dawn Rehab
This is the first language Saul hears and associates with love, safety, and family.
What is Ojibway
This character is Saul’s closest friend and teammate during his early hockey years.
Who is Virgil
What is tragic.
The treatment centre introduces Saul to this healthier alternative.
What is supportive community?
The resolution reinforces this overall message of the novel.
What is the power of memory, culture, and storytelling in healing?