Analyze Brian’s relationship with nature. How does he think about and treat nature? How does his relationship to nature compare and contrast with his relationships to other people in the novel (the Smallhorns, the rangers, western society)?

What literary devices does Paulsen use to create tension and suspense in the novel? Provide specific examples. Why might Paulsen have chosen these literary devices over others to convey tension and suspense?

Paulsen often details the everyday processes Brian must go through to obtain food and survive in general. What purpose do these descriptions serve? How do they relate to themes or motifs?