Brian's Return

Paulsen introduces Caleb in these chapters and shows him to be instrumental in Brian’s realization that he must return to the woods. Brian expects his meeting with a counselor to be unhelpful and expensive, but Caleb contradicts his expectations. Paulsen ironically points out that although Caleb is blind, he sees Brian’s needs more clearly than anyone else in his life. He is a straightforward, matter-of-fact man who listens to Brian during their informal counseling sessions. By describing memories from his time in the wilderness to someone who cares, Brian is able to process how the woods changed him, and what that means for him moving forward. Paulsen shows that counseling can be as simple as talking to someone who is willing to listen. Although it’s difficult for Brian to put his experiences into words at first, he is motivated to do so when he sees that Caleb is moved by and interested in what he has to say. 

Paulsen also highlights the theme of simplicity in these chapters. Caleb’s office (a room attached to his garage) is not fancy, and Caleb himself is a simple man who feels no need to explain his blindness. Brian responds well to this no-fuss attitude, and has a similar attitude, shown by his bow and arrow selection. Brian chooses neither the most advanced bow nor the easiest to use; instead, he opts for a traditional bow that is well suited for the kind of hiking and hunting he plans to do. When he practices shooting, he doesn’t use a sight, but instead feels where to aim. Although Brian prefers simplicity over extravagance, he puts great care into his selections and values the items that he chooses. Paulsen continues the simplicity theme in later chapters to show this aspect of Brian’s identity.

Finally, Paulsen’s use of imagery stands out when Brian describes events from his time in nature, such as the remarkable sunset and the fox diving beneath the snow for mice. Brian searches for meaning when he observes nature, and longs to understand and know more about his surroundings. Brian at first struggles for words to describe what he’s seen, but is able to articulate things vividly, describing the sights and sounds that enthralled him. Paulsen uses imagery to show the reader how impactful Brian’s observations of nature have been on his identity. Brian’s use of vivid descriptions also shows Caleb—and the reader—the passion Brian has for being in the wilderness; now that he knows what it’s like to live deeply connected to nature, he cannot be happy or whole without that connection.