logo

83 pages 2 hours read

Gary Paulsen

The Transall Saga

Gary PaulsenFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Background

Authorial Context: The Survivalist Stories of Gary Paulsen

Paulsen’s most well-known work of fiction is Hatchet (1986). This novel documents the survival of 13-year-old Brian, stranded after a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet.

In The Transall Saga, Paulsen integrates features of survivalist literature into the context of a fantasy/sci-fi novel: Mark must draw on his survival skills to navigate the strange and otherworldly Transall. Similar to Brian’s journey in Hatchet, Mark grows in confidence as he survives challenging circumstances. Both of these coming-of-age stories require their protagonists to hone their survival skills and resilience in order to survive, and in doing so, they develop confidence, courage, and emotional growth.

Sociocultural Context: Global Angst of the 1990s

The fate of Earth in The Transall Saga is shaped by contemporary concerns: In the 1990s, many people harbored fears about the threat of nuclear war, as well as Ebola’s potential to kill millions. Ebola, which is thought to have originated from bats before transferring to humans, was becoming increasingly prevalent in West Africa during the 1990s. The mortality rate of those who contract the virus is high, particularly for those who aren’t vaccinated (furthermore, some strains do not have vaccines developed). This prompted global concerns that the virus might spread, and continue to mutate into more dangerous strains for which vaccines did not exist.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 83 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools