Indian Horse Chapter 15

Summary

In this reflective narrative, the author recounts the transformative impact of Father Louboutin at Saint Jerome's, a young priest who introduced the boys to the exhilarating world of hockey. His infectious enthusiasm inspires the narrator, who becomes captivated by the game’s strategy and energy. Despite initial barriers to participation, the narrator's determination leads to a desire to engage with hockey on a deeper level. This poignant account captures themes of mentorship, passion, and the longing for connection through the lens of sport, revealing how hockey becomes a pivotal part of the narrator's identity and community experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Father Gaston Louboutin is a young priest at Saint Jerome's who captivates the boys with his humor and adventurous spirit.
• 😀 He introduces hockey to the narrator, describing it as a fast and exciting game played on ice.
• 😀 The narrator initially shows little interest in games but becomes intrigued by hockey after learning about its heroes.
• 😀 Father Louboutin's enthusiasm for hockey is contagious, inspiring the narrator to read books about famous players.
• 😀 The first time the narrator watches the older boys play hockey, he becomes mesmerized by their energy and the atmosphere of the rink.
• 😀 The narrator realizes he can see the strategic aspects of hockey, understanding the importance of controlling space on the ice.
• 😀 Father Louboutin serves as a mentor, encouraging the narrator to embrace the game and helping him understand its rhythm.
• 😀 Despite his passion, the narrator is too young to play, leading to feelings of disappointment and a desire for connection.
• 😀 Father Louboutin explains the importance of rules in sports but offers the narrator a chance to help maintain the rink.
• 😀 The chapter highlights themes of mentorship, passion, and the longing for belonging through sports.

Q & A

Who is Father Louboutin and what role does he play in the narrator's life?

Father Louboutin is a young priest at Saint Jerome's who introduces the narrator to hockey. He embodies adventure and kindness, becoming a mentor and inspiring the narrator's love for the game.

What activities does Father Louboutin organize for the boys during different seasons?

In spring and summer, Father Louboutin leads hikes and camping trips. In winter, he introduces hockey by building a rink and starting a team for the older boys.

How does the narrator initially react to the idea of hockey?

Initially, the narrator is unfamiliar with hockey and expresses disinterest in games, but Father Louboutin's passion for the sport gradually captures his attention.

What vivid imagery does the narrator use to describe the first time he watched hockey?

The narrator describes the rink's white glory, the shining sun, and the crystalline cold air, comparing the boys' breath to a locomotive preparing for release, capturing the excitement and energy of the game.

What does Father Louboutin mean by saying there's an order to the game?

Father Louboutin suggests that while the game may seem chaotic, there is a strategic rhythm and underlying structure that players must learn to control the game effectively.

How does the narrator's background influence his understanding of hockey?

The narrator has a familial connection to nature and intuition, likened to his great-grandfather's gift of understanding the environment, which allows him to grasp the game's dynamics and strategies quickly.

What emotional response does the narrator have to Father Louboutin's kindness?

The narrator feels a deep emotional connection to Father Louboutin, recalling the memory of his father's touch during a heartfelt hug, highlighting his longing for paternal affection and support.

Why does the narrator want to help maintain the ice, and what does this reveal about his character?

The narrator offers to shovel snow to be closer to the game he wants to learn, showing his determination, eagerness to participate, and willingness to work hard to achieve his goals.

What transformative effect does hockey have on the narrator?

Hockey becomes a source of joy and inspiration for the narrator, allowing him to connect with others, discover a sense of belonging, and develop a passion for a sport that symbolizes adventure and camaraderie.

How does Father Louboutin's approach to mentoring differ from traditional expectations?

Father Louboutin encourages exploration and passion rather than strictly adhering to rules, fostering an environment where the narrator feels safe to express his interests and aspirations.