Brian's Return

Paulsen develops the theme that nature is unpredictable when Brian experiences a particularly rainy and windy storm. The journal entry at the beginning of Chapter 13 foreshadows just one of the issues that results from Brian’s unpreparedness for the storm: getting stabbed by an arrow. Although Brian observes some unusual signs such as fewer insects buzzing than usual and a heavy cloud layer, he doesn’t understand their significance. Through the many issues that the storm causes, Paulsen shows that in nature, one must expect the unexpected. Even though Brian has learned this lesson before, he is reminded to “plan on the worst” and to never underestimate nature (79). Although Brian feels frustrated by his lack of foresight, he does not spend time feeling sorry for himself; he stays calm and talks to himself to figure out what happened one step at a time. He learns from his mistakes by taking more precautions on subsequent nights such as digging a rain gutter around his tent.

Paulsen also highlights Brian’s keen observation skills and his desire to know and better understand both nature and himself. Brian constantly listens to and watches his environment. He doesn’t want to miss details that could prove important for survival, but more importantly, he wants to know nature more intimately. When Brian wakes in the middle of the night and goes onto the lake, he is overwhelmed by the beauty of the still night. He doesn’t simply look out from his tent and then go back to sleep; he goes out to join the natural world and sings with the wolf. His dream of the wolf suggests that Brian sees himself as a part of the wolf’s world. Brian’s desire for knowledge extends to his reading of Shakespeare. Just as nature moves him, Juliet’s words in the famous balcony speech strike a chord with him. In the scene, Juliet laments that Romeo, her new love, is the son of her family’s sworn enemies. Paulsen’s repetition of the phrase “he knew” (85) as Brian considers the scene shows Brian’s deep appreciation and understanding of the play. Brian knows what it feels like to be unable to change who you are, and how lonely that can feel. In this way, he relates to Juliet as he reads the play out loud by the lake.

Finally, Brian’s decision to refrain from shooting the deer shows the intuition he has developed through connecting with nature. It also relates to Paulsen’s motif on hunting ethics; Brian knows it wouldn’t be right for him to shoot the deer since he won’t be able to eat all the meat before it spoils. Instead of making the selfish choice to take the easy shot, Brian exercises self-control to do what is best for nature. Brian showcases his respect for the natural world with his hunting ethics and humility.