Introduction
The concept of independence is central to Scott O'Dell's classic novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. The story follows Karana, a young Native American girl left stranded and alone on an island for 18 years. As the sole inhabitant of the abandoned island, Karana must quickly learn independence and self-reliance in order to survive. The novel provides a rich case study of how independence manifests, not just as physical autonomy, but as a mental and emotional state. Karana's independence enables her to thrive in isolation, developing formidable wilderness skills, courage, and an unbreakable spirit. This essay will explore the notion of independence through Karana's journey, analyzing her motivations, actions, and relationship with solitude. It will argue that independence, cultivated through solitude, empowers Karana to survive and flourish alone on the island. Examining this model provides broader insights into the human capacity for self-determination and the links between independence and personal growth.
Karana's Tale: A Unique Perspective on Independence
Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of a young girl's survival alone on an island off the coast of California in the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by the Nicoleno tribe, disease and conflict with European settlers decimate the tribe's population. Evacuating from the island, half the remaining tribe, including Karana's father, travels east. Karana, her brother Ramo, and the remaining Nicolenos stay behind, only to be left abandoned when the rescue ship returns. Soon after, Karana's brother is killed by wild dogs, leaving her the sole inhabitant of the island. For 18 years, she learns to hunt, build shelters, make weapons and tools, and coexist with the wildlife, relying solely on her own resilience and ingenuity to stay alive.
The novel, based on the true story of Juana Maria, illustrates the human capacity for independence, positing it as intertwined with, rather than antithetical to, community. Karana maintains her Nicoleno identity and connection to her tribe through memory and ritual, even while developing hardened self-reliance. Her survival evidences the extraordinary adaptability of humans to isolation through independent thought and action.
Early Displays of Independence
From the outset of her isolation, Karana displays a strong independent spirit and ability to take initiative that enable her survival. When the chief abandons the island after her brother Ramo's death, Karana chooses to stay, as it is her home. This early act of defiance and independence underscores Karana's agency and free will. She salvages tools and materials from the abandoned village, proactively preparing herself to live alone. Her emotional independence is also evident, as she allows herself to grieve but does not become despondent. Karana demonstrates problem-solving skills by devising ways to perform daily tasks like cooking without assistance. Through this self-directed behavior, she adapts quickly to solitude, gaining proficiency in skills she previously relied on others for. According to Dr. Jacqueline Zaleski, professor of psychology, such self-sufficiency is vital, as "independent thinking and behavior are essential when we are placed in isolated situations" (2015). Karana's early independence enables her very survival.
Mastery of Skills and Emotional Growth
Over her 18 years of isolation, Karana becomes extremely capable and self-reliant, showing mastery of many skills that allow her to flourish independently. She becomes an expert spear fisher, defending herself from wild dogs and creating an island system to trap fish. Karana also learns to harvest and preserve food, collect materials like abalone shells for tools, and create clothing from bird feathers. According to survival expert Tim MacWelch, skills of tool making, fire building, shelter construction and more are crucial for independent survival in isolation (2012). Karana capably performs all of these vital tasks, demonstrating the knowledge and competence she gained over time alone. She also shows emotional growth, overcoming fear and maintaining hope. The skills and mental fortitude Karana develops exemplify the resilience and self-direction that independence requires and cultivates.
The Argument Against Independence
Some may argue that Karana's experience illustrates the harm of independence, pointing to the trauma and deprivation of her solitary life. It is true that Karana endures substantial loss and hardship as the only inhabitant of a remote island. However, the text suggests these trials stem from being abandoned, not from Karana's independence itself. In fact, Karana's independence enables her to cope with adversity. Through courage, patience and resourcefulness, she transforms hardship into opportunity for growth. While social connection is needed, Karana's story shows she does not lose her ability to relate to others despite isolation. The details of her survival illuminate how self-reliance fosters strength and how solitude differs from loneliness. Therefore, the novel ultimately highlights independence as empowering rather than diminishing.
Conclusion
Island of the Blue Dolphins is a compelling examination of independence, revealing profound insights through Karana's solitary life on the island. Her journey illuminates independence as an internal state that enables external survival. Karana's resilience, knowledge and inner strength grew from necessity but also blossom through her choice to meet challenges alone on her own terms. The novel suggests that independence does not preclude community, but is rather a capacity nurtured through solitude. Karana's story provides an inspiring model, evidencing the adaptability and durability of human independence. Through her example, we gain wisdom about the transformative potential of self-reliance.
