Island of the Blue Dolphins

Karana sees both Rontu and Tutok as enemies when they enter the novel, but they later become beloved friends. How do Rontu and Tutok each gain Karana’s trust, and how do they develop the novel’s theme of Building Trust and Friendship?

Although Karana spends much of the novel alone, several supporting characters make significant contributions to her story. Select two supporting characters and compare and contrast their personalities and character arcs. How do the two characters either advance the plot, develop a theme, or contribute to Karana’s character development?

What role do Karana’s male relatives play in her struggle for survival and self-determination? What emotional obstacles does she face in this struggle, and how does she overcome them?

Karana befriends many animals throughout the novel. How do these friendships connect to the theme of Learning from Nature, and what specific lessons does Karana learn from different animals?

Throughout the novel, O’Dell uses vibrant language to describe the sights and sounds of the island. How does his use of auditory and visual imagery develop the novel’s setting, mood, and theme of Learning from Nature?

Dolphins appear at key moments throughout the novel. What do these animals symbolize? How does this symbol capture Karana’s personal growth?

How is the island both a beautiful, life-giving place and an isolated, dangerous one? How is Karana shaped by the island, and how does she shape it in return?

Karana’s weapons serve as a motif in service of the theme of The Struggle for Survival and Self-Determination. How does this motif connect to the social norms of Karana’s people? How does Karana’s relationship with these traditions change?