In Winnipeg (Ch. 47-48) Important events

Chapter 47

• Saul comes to the realization that “what you need to survive is killing you” (189).

• Saul talks about cutting down on drinking, convincing yourself that it can be controlled, but it can't.

• Saul collapses on a sidewalk in Winnipeg and is taken to the hospital.

• Five days of medication and withdrawal.

• Saul begins to write his story.

Chapter 48

• Saul feels as if he has nothing more to write, but he doesn't feel healed.

• Saul stays out too late and cannot return to the Centre, so he makes a fire and falls asleep under the stars.

• Saul awakens a low moaning sound and realizes he is hearing an Ojibway song. He sees the shape of a person in the trees.

• Saul sees his great-grandfather, Shabogeesick, who is holding an eagle wing fan in one hand and leading his horse with the other.

• Shabogeesick shakes his fan at Saul, after which, Saul sees his entire family, including his grandmother who “held a finger to her lips and crinkled the corners of her eyes” (193) at him.

• Saul decides that it is time to leave the Centre.

Naomi’s statement highlights an important difference between faith based on love and faith based on fear. It suggests that true spirituality should bring compassion, understanding, and connection rather than judgment or control. This conflict also shows how personal experiences and historical trauma can shape the way people view religion and tradition.