Brian's Return

Analyze Caleb’s character and how he influences Brian. What creates such a special bond between the two men in a short period? How does Paulsen use Caleb’s character to influence Brian’s process of self-discovery?

What events does Paulsen use in the novel to communicate the theme of nature’s unpredictability?

How does Paulsen illustrate the value of simplicity? Consider events from the novel, characters, and Paulsen’s writing style as you form your answer.

Brian struggles at the beginning of the novel because no one truly understands what he went through, and people have many misconceptions about nature and survival. What are some of the misconceptions about nature or survival that Paulsen addresses in the novel? How does he educate the reader in these areas?

How does Paulsen’s use of imagery function in the novel? Cite specific examples in your response.

Analyze Brian’s character. What qualities does he possess that demonstrate he has experience surviving in the wilderness? What qualities make him a round character? What transformation(s) does he experience in the novel? 

Brian encounters animals on several occasions throughout the book. Analyze these encounters and how they contribute to the novel’s themes and motifs. 

Paulsen provides details about the types of fish and wildlife Brian sees and catalogues the gear Brian brings. He also provides descriptions of various outdoor skills such as bear-proofing camp, cooking over a fire, and fishing. What purpose(s) does such detail and cataloguing serve?