Island of the Blue Dolphins Lesson Plan

What does the arrival of the Aleuts reveal about Karana?

Karana proves to be responsible, curious, and resourceful when the Aleuts arrive. While she is clearly excited and interested about the arrival of the ship, she also knows she and her brother must finish their task gathering roots, so she tries to keep his attention on the work in spite of the approaching ship. When she returns to the village and sees the men heading to the shore to receive the visitors, she sneaks into the bushes over the cliff above the cove to observe the discussions and negotiations between her father, chief of Ghalas-at, and the Aleut leader, Captain Orlov.

What role does the setting play...