One example of the theme, Coming of Age, is illustrated in Chapter 12. What does Samuel receive as a necessity, rather than a token, of this milestone?

In Chapter 12, after one of the smaller men is killed, Samuel finally gets to inherit a sword and armor. With this, he is equipped as a man would be. This, too, is premature, but necessary. Anyone remotely able must now take up arms in defense. When he expects a musket as well, he finds that more education (learning Algonquian) will be more useful than learning to use a slow-acting gun. He will be armored with cultural knowledge instead.