Abel's Island

Analyze tree branches as motifs in the story. Consider the tree branch in which Abel lands on the island and the tree branch he climbs to escape the cat. What do the branches symbolize? How does Abel employ the birch branch to aid in his survival but also his contentment on the island?

The narrative gives few details about Amanda, Abel’s wife. What does the reader learn about her from Abel’s lonely musings? Why does he worry that she has remarried in his absence? What other doubts do they harbor about their relationship?

Discuss the story’s concept of “civilization” and Abel’s perception of what makes a civilized mouse. Does the author suggest that one type of life (life in the “civilized” city or life on the island) is better than the other? Explain your answer with examples from the story.

Consider the found book as a symbol in the novel. Why is the book important to Abel? How does reading the story help in his real-life character transformation?

Closely examine Abel’s changing mental state. How does Abel’s extended isolation affect his behavior? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Compare Abel’s reaction to the owl with his reaction to the cat. Why does Abel become so distressed over the owl’s presence? Why does he label it as evil as opposed to aggressive or predatory? How does Abel view the cat? What causes him to interpret the cat’s behavior differently?

Review Steig’s illustrations in the novella and select an illustration that is most memorable to you or meaningful in the story. Write a paragraph explaining why you chose that illustration.

A “foil” in literature is a character who sharply contrasts with another character. Discuss Gower’s arrival on the island. How is he a foil to Abel? Though Abel is repulsed by his behavior, why is he so drawn to the frog? Why might Steig have chosen to portray Gower as an amphibian instead of another creature?