Boy of the Painted Cave

One of the most important themes in this novel is that of following your own path and pursuing your dreams. At 14 years of age, Tao is on the cusp of manhood and is realizing he will likely never be able to achieve his dreams within the hierarchy of his clan. When Kala tells him the story of his birth and orphaning, Tao accepts that he must strike out on his own if he is going to live the life he wants for himself. He tells Kala, “I am happy now […] If I cannot be a Chosen One, I will live away from the clan […] I will be a man in my own way” (49). Despite his disability, Tao believes in his own strength and abilities. He values his dreams and is willing to step outside of the confines of society to pursue them.

Importantly, Tao thrives on his own. His instincts serve him well. For example, Tao adopts Ram as a companion because he sees the wolf dog as loyal and helpful, despite his clan’s dictate that wolf dogs should be avoided and killed. In stepping away from these beliefs and following his own, Tao gains an important relationship in his life as well as an enhanced ability to navigate and survive his environment.