I'm glad the learner is asking so many questions in this book because I'm like Amy, I have so many questions. I know there are other books in this series but I don't know if they are set before this book or after. If after then Ishmael didn't really die because he would go on to teach others. I'm confussed about the death of Ishmael as well and his unwillingness to live surprised me. How can this amazing animal decide to not live, because I believe it was his decision (he did go to the carnival and freeze there even though he was offered a place to stay by the learner). Also, why didn't anyone at the carnival take notice that this gorrilla was hauling around books, maps and at least one notebook? Even if they couldn't hear him that would make me a little suspicious.
I would like to know more about Daniel Quinn's ideas about this book.