Small as an Elephant

The protagonist of Small as an Elephant, Jack is 11 years old when his mother abandons him while camping on Mount Desert Island, Maine, in Acadia National Park. Understandably, Jack initially reacts to the problem at hand with shock but then demonstrates immense strength, bravery, and clarity as he looks for his mother rather than panicking. Jack’s biggest mistake along the way is never stopping to tell anyone about his situation or reaching out for help, but he does this because he fears being separated from his mother. Jack is deeply perceptive, particularly of his mother and her way of thinking, and is also intelligent and resourceful. He demonstrates a keen ability to survive despite not knowing where he is or having anyone with him. Although Jack is wise, he’s still a child, and his thoughts illustrate his naivete at times. For instance, Jack wonders whether his mother will go to jail, and he takes the risk of sleeping in the woods without a tent. Nevertheless, he keeps himself fed and relatively safe, but much of his safety results from luck. Jack’s thoughts make up most of the