The symbolism of hope
The character Vigil Wounded Horse is symbolically used as hope among the people in the Reservation who can deliver justice. Despite discriminating against him, the people in the Reservation have no alternative force to fight for their justice. Therefore, only Virgil hunts down the criminals and ensures that peace and stability are restored in the Reservation.
The symbolism of substance abuse
Substance abuse is symbolized by the societal problems tackled by the tribal leaders. The reader realizes that the failed justice system is due to rampant substance abuse carried out by criminal gangs who operate in the underworld. Therefore, the formation of the vigilante in the Reservation aims to curb substance abuse.
Criminal gangs
The criminal gangs in the Reservation symbolize insecurity in the reservation camps. The gang sells heroin to families in the black market, causing havoc. For instance, some family members overdose, almost dying from the addiction.
Reservation
The author figuratively uses the Reservation in South Dakota to represent the Native Americans' challenges. For instance, the author highlights the injustice system that ignores people living in the reservations. Therefore, a vigilante is coming to fight for people's justice using unjustified ways.
