how does Victor and Thomas experience forgiveness or seek it in Smoke signals

Answer 1

In the film *Smoke Signals*, the theme of forgiveness is central to the relationship between Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire, as well as Victor’s internal struggle with his father, Arnold. Here’s how both characters experience or seek forgiveness:

### Victor:

- **Forgiveness toward his father**: Victor’s journey is largely about coming to terms with his complicated feelings toward Arnold, who abandoned the family and struggled with alcoholism. Throughout the film, Victor harbors resentment and anger toward his father. As he and Thomas travel to collect Arnold’s ashes, Victor learns more about his father’s remorse and the reasons behind his actions, especially regarding the fire that killed Thomas's parents. This realization leads Victor to confront his anger and start to forgive his father, understanding that Arnold's flaws and mistakes were shaped by his own pain and guilt.

- **Forgiveness of self**: In addition to forgiving his father, Victor begins to forgive himself for the way he’s dealt with the trauma of his father’s abandonment. His rigid, angry exterior softens as he allows himself to acknowledge his pain and the impact his father's departure had on his own identity.

### Thomas:

- **Forgiveness toward Victor**: Thomas consistently displays a forgiving nature. Despite being ridiculed and rejected by Victor throughout much of their relationship, Thomas remains loyal and kind to him. He embodies a spirit of understanding and forgiveness, rooted in his storytelling and spirituality. He seeks to bridge the emotional gap between himself and Victor, offering forgiveness even when it isn’t directly asked for.

- **Understanding Arnold's actions**: Thomas’s relationship with Arnold is complex because of the fire that killed his parents, a fire Arnold accidentally caused. Thomas, however, already seems to have forgiven Arnold long before Victor does. His forgiving attitude toward both Arnold and Victor stems from his wisdom, resilience, and his deep sense of compassion, which allows him to understand that pain and mistakes are part of life.

Both Victor and Thomas approach forgiveness differently—Victor grapples with it intensely, while Thomas naturally embodies it. Ultimately, the film suggests that forgiveness is a key part of healing, and it allows both characters to find peace.