Under the Influence

A detailed Summary of Under the Influence

In the first volume of the trilogy, Celestine, there were many positive and negative influences in the life of Celestine. The Indian Department discouraged Celestine in many ways. Father Victor Gaudet also played an important role in her life. Lastly, Celestine faced struggles with her family at home. Some of the positive and negative influences in Celestine's life were the discouragement of the Indian Department, Father Victor Gaudet, and her struggles at home.

Celestine had many conflicts at the Laing Center. To be admitted to grade one at the Laing Center, a child had to have at least one half year of kindergarten. Sister Candida would not accept Celestine because she hadn't attended kindergarten. Then there were Celestine's encounters with Mrs. Hoffman at the Church of Christ United Separate School (C.C.U.). Mrs. Hoffman disliked Indians, perhaps, because her husband had had an affair with one. She heard about it and left her husband for a couple of weeks. Celestine had arrived late to class one morning. As she walked into the classroom, she could feel the teacher's disgusting glance. After class was over, Mrs. Hoffman grabbed Celestine's arm tightly as she was about to leave. Mrs. Hoffman had heard that Celestine had been

audet's institution, Celestine was still skeptical. After she met Gaudet, she became very comfortable, even though she missed her family. They had a long conversation where Celestine talked about her goals and also her past problems and records. As their conversation came to a close, Gaudet had achieved his purpose of getting to know Celestine better. Gaudet and his school was a good influence in Celestine's life because of his ties with the Marmot tribe, his academic support, and spiritual guidance.

Lastly, Celestine faced problems at home. Her father, Duncan Lafluer, would often get into trouble and would be in and out of jail. His last offense, in August, was getting drunk in tavern and beating up three farmers. He was released before Christmas

uproar. Mrs. Hoffman silenced the room by shouting, "Oh, you're nothing but a dumb Indian!" (Piepenburg 280). Celestine buried her head in her arms for the rest of the class. After the session was over, other Raven classmates tried to help Celestine from her depression. Celestine finally rose, but when she tried to leave, Mrs. Hoffman blocked her way. Fire builded in Celestine as she struck Mrs. Hoffman on the cheek and slashed her ear. As Mrs. Hoffman cried out, Celestine fled. This resulted in Celestine's expulsion from the C.C.U. Separate School. Later, Celestine, her mother Mona Lafluer, and her grandmother, Bella Deer, had planned to see the principal, Martine Sorenson. Mona went to a lawyer to get a legalized view on the situation. The lawyer said that the Human Rights Act did not apply to personal school clashes. It also stated that the principal could only expel those whom they considered to be unmanageable. This discouraged Bella and Mona but they were still determin!

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livestock well while Duncan was gone. When it came to the subject of finding employment, a feeling of perso

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Approximate Word count = 1296
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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