The Sign of the Beaver is the story of Matt's childhood to adulthood. It is the story of Matt's adventures, experiences, and learnings to adapt himself to the new environment in the eighteenth century. He is a twelve-year-old boy. It is the story of his feelings and emotional changes, his quality to build up a mature relationship with Native Indians explains beautifully. Matt's isolation and his friendship with the Beaver tribe help him to explore the qualities of a man. He understands the struggle of human life and the comparative analysis of the evolution of human settlement. At the age of twelve years, he is given the responsibility of taking care of the cabin, though it is tough for a twelve years boy yet he does his duty very well.
The close interaction between a White man and a Native Indian helps them to break up myths and prejudice that exist in their respective societies. This interaction helps to decrease the cultural conflict between their societies. White man thinks Native Indian as uneducated and immature. They are incapable of speaking the English language. White people think their culture as modern and civilized. Ben, a traveler, has stolen Matt's gun to think him as vulnerable though he is a White man. An old native American, Saknis, saves Matt's life and also look after him. On the other hand, Native Indian thinks white man as barbaric and emotionless. Attean's grandmother considers White men as invaders because of the bad experiences she has faced in the past. Matt saved the Attean's dog from an animal trap and their close friendship helps Attean's grandmother to change her perception about with man.
Matt teaches Attean the English language because of his grandfather's choice. But in real forest life, Attean is the real teacher of Matt, who teaches him the skills to adapt himself to the forest environment. Matt's modern skills and qualities are not suitable enough for his survival in the new environment. Attean teaches him the sign to mark land for hunting and peaceful settlement and also respect it. Attean teaches him the making of primitive tools for hunting. Mutual trust and respect for the feelings of each other make their relationship mature. Matt's refusal to go with the tribe shows the responsible behavior and his decision making power to wait for his family as his father promised. On the other hand, Attean also respects his decision and gives him gifts which will be helpful to survive in winter. Matt's experiences impressed his father, the use of primitive tools such as bow and arrow, and the influence of Native Americans proved him to be a mature man.
