Father Laboutiller And Saul's Relationship

Saul is the main character in this novel, and he is also the narrator. Saul is important because he is a positive and reassuring figure who represents strength, power, and will. There are many things that we, the readers can learn from him. Throughout the book, Saul had a very close relationship with Father Laboutiller, he was the one who introduced Saul and the “Indian boys” to the game of hockey. In my opinion Chapter 15 was one of the most pivotal chapters in the book, it was the time Father Laboutiller and Saul first spoke with each other. Saul was sitting on the steps when Father L approached him and asked if he ever played hockey; Saul reluctantly replied saying no and that he doesn’t like games. In the book Saul says that Father Laboutiller “reached out and rubbed [his] hair […] 'we need to get you outside to watch. I guarantee you'll love it.' [he said]”(Wagamese, 57). This is a very intimate moment in the story and it not only was the start of something amazing; but, it showed a true connection and a 'meaningful' relationship. Their

In retrospect, his 'rebellious' actions and persistent attitude could have been very harmful and he possibly could have got in a lot of trouble. He was given the duty of shoveling the snow on the hockey rink, and he decided to 'practice' playing the game; despite him not being allowed to, he says “I began to stash a hockey stick in the snow beside the boards. Once I'd made sure no one was around, I'd dig it out and run to the barn for a handful of frozen horse turds I'd bury beside the door […] Canada do.” (Wagamese, 61). Once Saul was introduced to this game he was so driven to play for himself; realistically any reaction could have came from him doing this, he could have been beaten and yelled at. Unfortunately his persistence attitude could be bad for him and his safety in many