Sometimes, an alcoholic can be violent. In Arnold Joseph's case, it is anyway. When Arnold realizes he accidentally started a fire that kills Thomas' parents, alcoholism seems like the only thing he can turn to to try to solve his problems. After a few years, Arnold's alcoholism puts a strain on the family. Victor's attitude towards alcohol is greatly affected when he sees what it did to his father. Arnold eventually left the reservation because he was unable to manage his emotions. Although it may seem that Arnold was selfish, in reality it was quite the opposite. Arnold saves the two by not subjecting them to a life of fear by leaving town. Ultimately, alcohol saves Victor from living in fear. The movie Smoke Signals exposes a great theme of salvation. No matter what the circumstance, salvation can always find a way to come into play. For Victor, salvation came in many strange ways, including an annoying friend and his father's departure, but in the end, Victor's life became easier to understand. Salvation in the film helps Victor understand why he had to endure different situations, but it also makes him come out of each situation stronger