The Brian Novels

The Brian novels symbolize Paulsen’s desire to spread real knowledge about survival. In the novels, Brian must survive in the wilderness, alone. Brian’s experiences are all based on the true-life experiences of Paulsen. Paulsen, who is saddened and annoyed by drama overriding reality in fiction, uses Brian as a way to ensure readers are aware of the realities of survival, nature, and the wilderness.

Planes

Planes symbolize freedom for Paulsen. When Paulsen begins learning how to fly, he feels freedom in the skies. He is no longer bound by gravity, and feels as if he can go anywhere. He feels as if nothing is holding him back.

Remington Rilfe

A Remington rifle symbolizes life and death. Paulsen uses a Remington rifle to hunt and to defend himself against angry animals. While a gun may mean the death of an animal, for Paulsen, it...