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Chapter 3
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Great Alone, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Trauma and Violence
Paranoia and the Vietnam War
Isolation
Family and Community
Death and Grief
Coming of Age
Summary
Analysis
The Allbrights spend their first few days in Kaneq cleaning up the homestead. At the end of the second day, Ernt prepares a fire on their private beach and the family has a nice night sitting around the campfire. At this point, Leni starts to believe that the family can be happy in Kaneq. The next day, the Allbrights are awoken by a pounding at their door, which turns out to be Marge and two other women named Natalie Watkins and Geneva Walker. The three women have come to help the Allbrights prepare their homestead, and though Ernt is briefly offended, he quickly comes to realize that he needs their help.
Gender plays a key role in The Great Alone. Though there are limitations for women in Kaneq, they are largely expected to hold their own. Marge best embodies this quality—she is always prepared and ready to help—but it is true of the other women in the community as well. Additionally, Ernt’s hurt pride will become increasingly important, especially when other men are involved. In this case, though Ernt is stubborn, he is not stupid; he knows he’s come to Alaska unprepared and is willing to swallow his pride for the good of himself and his family.
Themes
Marge, Natalie, and Geneva help the Allbrights make a cache—a small, elevated platform to keep food away from bears—as well as a greenhouse. Marge once again reiterates both Kaneq’s wonder and danger to Cora and Leni. Directing her stare at Ernt, Marge also warns them that isolation can make some people crazy. She tells Cora and Leni that they need to learn to fend for themselves, which includes learning how to use a gun. In addition, Marge informs the Allbrights that they have much to do before they are prepared to survive their first Alaskan winter. After spending the day with Marge, Natalie, and Geneva, Leni begins to understand the true meaning of the word “remote.”
There is more heavy foreshadowing in this section. A perceptive woman, Marge already appears concerned about Ernt and his mental condition. This warning, in addition to Mrs. Golliher’s, suggests that there is a side of Ernt that has yet to be revealed. Though Marge’s suggestion about learning to shoot does relate to hunting animals, she seems concerned about the danger posed by Ernt as well. However, Cora and Leni do not catch her meaning.
Themes
The next day, the Allbrights eat breakfast together and then Ernt parks their VW bus in front of the cabin. After several days of work, the driveway is finally clear and the Allbrights are able to unload all of their belongings. Afterwards, Ernt takes the family on a drive to meet Earl Harlan. Eventually, they arrive at the entrance of Earl’s property, which is decorated with a sign that reads, “TURN AROUND. YES, WE MEAN YOU. PROPERTY PROTECTED BY DOGS AND GUNS. HIPPIES GO HOME.” Nearby is a man with a gun who asks the Allbrights to state their business. Ernt explains who they are, and the man lets them pass. Ernt does not seem bothered by what he sees, but Cora is alarmed.
While Ernt was fighting in Vietnam, Cora essentially lived life as a hippie, so the sign at the front of Earl’s property carries some extra weight for her. Once again, Ernt does not care about his wife’s feelings and continues to do what he wants instead. Throughout the novel, Ernt will repeatedly fail to distinguish between what he thinks is dangerous and what is actually dangerous. Although this does not prove to be an instance of true danger, it is an example of Ernt’s casual disregard for his family’s safety.
Themes
When the Allbrights arrive at Earl’s house, they are greeted by an old man pointing a gun at them. Once again, Cora expresses her concern, but Ernt ignores her and leaves to talk to the old man. The man turns out to be Earl—or Mad Earl, as the locals call him— and upon learning Ernt’s identity, he welcomes the Allbrights inside. Upon entering Earl’s home, Cora and Leni are alarmed by the stockpile of weapons and military equipment—including a gas mask—that they find. When asked about his collection, Earl tells the Allbrights, “The world’s gone mad. A man has to protect himself.” In particular, he is upset by gas prices, the Cold War, the Black Panthers, and illegal immigrants. He seems to believe a war is coming and although Cora finds his claims ridiculous, Ernt quickly agrees with him.
The nicknames the locals give to one another are often quite literal and “Mad Earl” is no exception. Though he is kind to the Allbrights, it is cause for concern that Ernt agrees with someone named Mad Earl so quickly. In addition, it is telling that Mad Earl fears issues that have little to do with his day-to-day life. Though the Cold War is a reasonable worry, the Black Panthers and illegal immigrants likely have no presence in Kaneq, Alaska. As such, Earl comes off as quite paranoid and potentially dangerous.
Themes
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After their conversation with Earl, the Allbrights are introduced to the rest of the Harlan family, including Thelma Schill, who greets them kindly. When talking to Thelma, Leni discovers there is actually a school in town, a fact that makes her very happy. Thelma also begins teaching Cora about what she will need to do to prepare for winter. Thelma offers to help her start a garden and can salmon. Like Marge, she warns Cora about the dangers of the Alaskan winter. Cora is increasingly worried about the warnings she receives, though Thelma promises that she and her family will help the Allbrights however they can.
In sharp contrast to Earl’s concerns about the Black Panthers and illegal immigrants, Thelma gives the Allbrights useful information that is key to their survival. Here, the women in the community prove to be of much more use than the men when it comes to preparation. Thelma’s warning about being prepared for winter echoes Marge’s and serves as yet another instance of foreshadowing.
Themes
