Kenny had discord with his father but he realized, "I thought I was running away from my father's influence, and the opposite was the truth" (45). He did not want to follow in his father's footsteps. Instead, in attempts to fool himself, Kenny avoided his reality like an immature child to make an effort to resolve the problem. He had yet to reach an epiphany of his own potential. Unlike other children who aspire to emulate their fathers, Kenny refused to become his father. He had always imagined his father as a monster that haunted him throughout his life, instead of loving and caring father who listened, suggested, and defended. Eventually he had a revelation and comprehended that he enticed himself with his father's guidance. No longer misled by falsehood, Kenny has stepped out of his naivety. The facade he once thought was reality came to an end as he grew up and matured. Coming to self-realization through the help of his father's actions, Kenny continued on the path to rediscovering himself. .
In addition to her father's influence, TallMountain experienced the lessons of nature. When she went back to Alaska she stated, "I still feel the crush of the lost bed of wild violets in the Aleutian hills where one day I flung myself down in a rapture, knowing who I am, what the wild violets meant" (13). TallMountain feels overwhelmed by awe and humbled by the powerfulness of her surroundings. Once neglected and forgotten, she now knows how to seek comfort from the nature, where she can enjoy her un-spoilt paradise in ecstasy. TallMountain has found peace back at home. Her freedom rests in Alaska, untamed and savage, in the wilderness unfettered by the modern world. TallMountain can finally relinquish her doubts and bathe in joy and happiness. She laid down, connected with earth, back where she came from. Impassioned through her spiritual journey she reached an epiphany. TallMountain, now self-aware, has accepted herself.