Student Question
In Julie of the Wolves, how does Miyax measure time and space without a map or clock?
Quick answer:
Miyax measures time and space in the Arctic by observing natural cues and using traditional Eskimo methods. She relies on the Arctic seasons, the sun's position, and wildlife behavior, such as animal migrations. Despite the disorienting tundra landscape and lack of stars, she discerns direction by noting details like lichen growth and ice flow. Following the migration of Arctic terns helps her navigate towards her destination, while the wolves' behavior signals weather changes.
Miyax knows from lessons she learned from her father that "time in the Arctic (is) the rhythm of life". She measures the days and nights according to what she knows about the Arctic seasons, and the position of the sun at different times of the year. The endless days and nights of the far Northern regions do not confuse her; she observes the actions of the wildlife around her and adjusts herself accordingly. It does not matter that "the clocks in Barrow would say it was time to get ready for bed". Living on her own in the Arctic, Miyax would be just getting up, "for she was on wolf time...since there was no darkness to hamper her vision, night was as good a time to work as day".
Because it is summer when Miyax sets out over the tundra, there is no night to speak of, and no stars by...
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which she can determine directionality. At first, "the dips and heaves of the tundra spread out all around her and...(look) the same in every direction", but as she examines her surroundings more closely, she notices small details, such as where lichens grow on the frost heaves, and how the flow of ice is affected by the wind. Miyax knows that if she observes things carefully enough, "the face of the tundra (would) emerge...(and) tell her which way was north". Indeed, when the Arctic terns begin their migration to the south, Miyax is able to follow their flight and determine in which direction she, too, should continue in her journey to Point Hope (Part 1).
How does Miyax measure time and space without a watch or map?
Julie/Miyax continually uses the "old ways" of the Eskimo to successfully determine time and space.
The first way Julie is successful in determination of time and space is by using natural landmarks. Julie originally wishes to escape to San Francisco. To do this, she is looking for a particular range of mountains. When Julie spies the Alaskan Brooks Range, she knows she is approaching the "safety" of the vast North Slope of the Arctic: the eventual passage to Point Hope. This is her strategy and her way.
There are some natural signs that Julie mistakenly takes for granted, however. For example, the tundra is completely barren. With the exception of its entrance (the Brooks Range) the whole tundra looks exactly the same. Julie wants to depend upon the North Star, but it will not be visible in the Arctic sky for another month. This is dangerous. Once the North Star appears, however, Julie is easily able to determine direction.
Another thing Julie uses to determine time and space is animal migration. The Arctic terns migrate in a certain direction. Julie uses this migration to easily chart her course by the direction of their flight. This allows her to point herself, correctly, towards Point Hope again. The wolves' migration also help Julie determine weather. Any time the wolves simply drop food at Julie's door, she knows it is going to get colder. The pack even calls to her to come with them to a safer place, but Julie is unable to pack quickly enough and the wolves are forced to simply allow her to catch up.