Julie of the Wolves tells the story of a young Eskimo girl, Miyax, who survives in the Arctic by making friends with a wolf pack. The novel introduces readers to the unique biome of the Arctic and the unique behaviors of the gray wolf. It also depicts many aspects of traditional Inuit culture and explores the challenges of assimilation and modernization felt by the native peoples.
Miyax’s conflict with Daniel is the spark that sets the story in motion. When Daniel threatens her, Miyax feels terrified and unsafe. This leads her to run away, ultimately getting lost in the wilderness.
Miyax is in conflict with nature when she finds herself starving in the tundra. After the lemming population dies off, the larger game leaves the area, and Miyax cannot find anything to eat. Her conflict with nature puts her in danger of death.
CHARACTER VS. SOCIETY
CONFLICT IN JULIE OF THE WOLVES
CHARACTER VS. TECHNOLOGY
As an Eskimo, Miyax struggles to find a place in the modern world. She loves living off the land and is uncomfortable with returning to civilization. All the cities, schools, neat little houses, and modern technology make her uncomfortable. By the end of the book, “civilization [becomes a] monster” to Miyax.
Guns create a conflict for Miyax when hunters come to the tundra. They shoot at her pack of wolves, killing Amaroq and wounding Kapu. The guns bring fear and sorrow into Miyax’s happy life on the tundra.