From the opening pages of the tale, the theme of alienation looms large over every moment. George Black Bull is a fugitive, continuously evading capture. This feeling of separation and solitude persists as the novel unfolds, casting a shadow over the journey.

Thomas’s family is compelled to abandon their community, seeking refuge in the heart of the wilderness. Though they initially discover tranquility amidst the trees, fate intervenes cruelly. Thomas is abruptly uprooted, thrust into a foreign and bewildering setting. Once more, alienation envelops him. The unfamiliar environment leaves him feeling out of place, and his peculiar upbringing further alienates him from those around him. Everything about this new society—its language, attire, customs, worldview, even its culinary habits—stands in stark contrast to Thomas’s own. His existence becomes a series of transitions from one bewildering locale to the next, with each new place reinforcing his sense of being an outsider.

Ultimately, Thomas must confront the deepest alienation of all—his estrangement from himself. Although he instinctively seeks out his homeland, it takes him time to realize that it is his true origin. Initially, he sees his return as merely a recovery from an accident. Gradually, he awakens to the truth that he has indeed returned home. In the novel’s closing moments, Thomas begins to mend the rift within his own mind, learning to reconcile the alienation that has long haunted him.

The Deceptive Intrigue of Blue Elk

At the heart of the story's theme of alienation lies the pervasive deceit woven by those surrounding Thomas. Blue Elk, a fellow member of the Ute tribe, feigns companionship with Thomas and his family as the tale unfolds. Yet, beneath this facade, Blue Elk harbors motives that are invariably self-serving and predominantly driven by greed. His initial act of treachery involves luring Thomas's family to Pagosa's sawmill, enticing them away from their reservation with grand promises of wealth. Instead of prosperity, the family finds themselves trapped in the relentless grip of debt. Not stopping there, Blue Elk cunningly deceives Thomas into leaving his serene wilderness lodge, only to rob the boy of all his belongings.

The Deceit of Red Dillon

Dishonesty also runs deep in the character of Red Dillon. His interactions with Thomas are marked by manipulation, as he instructs the boy in the art of rigging rodeo competitions to increase their betting stakes. This trickery often lands them in precarious situations, forcing them to strategically conceal their horses in anticipation of hasty escapes from the numerous small Western towns where Thomas performs in rodeos.

The Journey Through Nature

The overarching theme woven into the fabric of this novel is the rite of passage. This profound transformation is embodied by Thomas, who must traverse the intricate paths from naiveté to maturity. His initial challenge leads him into the depths of the wilderness, where self-reliance becomes his compass. Here, Thomas not only masters the art of hunting to sustain himself and crafting garments from nature's bounty but also learns to speak the language of the wild creatures that share his world.

Confronting Society

Following his communion with nature, Thomas faces the daunting task of navigating social landscapes. In this realm, success eludes him. His methods of coping with peers are stark: he either isolates himself or resorts to physical confrontation. The school he attends presents its own trials, as it is governed by the norms of the dominant culture. Although surrounded by fellow Utes, Thomas finds himself pressured to abandon his heritage. Despite his reluctance, he eventually succumbs to the institution's demands, adopting its attire, cuisine, and agricultural teachings.