What inner conflicts does Cole bring with him back from the island to society? How does he learn to manage these conflicts despite the difficult environment he is in?

How might Cole’s experiences on the island have prepared him for his experiences in school? In what ways are the bullying and violence at Cole’s school similar to the threats posed to him by the wild? In what ways do they differ?

How does Cole and Peter’s bond represent Friendship Grown Out of Conflict and Forgiveness? How does this friendship teach Cole to extend compassion toward other people, including those he never expected to forge bonds with?