Early Challenges and Adjustments:
* Arrival and Initial Struggles: The novel begins with Matt's family arriving at their new homestead in the wilderness. Their struggles to build a shelter, clear land, and adjust to their surroundings quickly highlight the challenges they face.
* Missing Tools and Lost Supplies: The family's initial challenges are compounded by the loss of vital tools and supplies. This sets the stage for their dependence on their ingenuity and the potential for conflict with the native inhabitants.
* Encountering the Beaver: Matt's initial encounter with the beaver, which he initially mistakes for a monster, foreshadows the mystery and danger that lie ahead.
Growing Tension and Discovery:
* The Mysterious Sign: The discovery of the beaver's sign, which Matt initially misunderstands, becomes a recurring source of mystery and fear. It triggers a growing sense of unease about the unknown.
* Learning from Attean: Matt's growing relationship with Attean, a young Native American boy, introduces him to the ways of the forest and the importance of respect for nature. Attean's knowledge and skills become crucial in navigating the wilderness.
* Growing Conflict with the Native Inhabitants: The family's initial encounters with the Native Americans are strained by mistrust and fear. The tension escalates as Matt's family is forced to confront their own prejudices and understand the consequences of their actions.
Climax and Resolution:
* The Confrontation with the Native Tribe: The arrival of a large group of Native Americans seeking refuge in the face of a powerful enemy forces the family to make a difficult choice. This confrontation marks the climax of the story.
* The Lesson of Forgiveness: The resolution of the conflict involves Matt's family recognizing the humanity and struggles of the Native Americans. It emphasizes the importance of understanding, compassion, and forgiveness.
Overall, the rising action in "The Sign of the Beaver" sets the stage for the central conflict between the family and the Native Americans. It establishes the challenges faced by the family, introduces the mysterious presence of the beaver, and explores the themes of prejudice, fear, and the importance of understanding other cultures.