An immense part of Guthrie's, The Big Sky, is shaped by the natural elements that are included to shape the plot and characterization of the novel. Without these natural elements Boone would not have been able to find the freedom and achieve his maturation level in which he did by traveling out west. By going west, Boone is able to start a new life by venturing out into the wilderness.
Since Boone's family life is not what he would like it to be, he saw the west as a new start towards independence and a new life. Guthrie uses the natural settings of the west to describe Boone's desire for independence. Boone enjoys the vast open land because he does not feel like he has barriers to hold him back. When Boone claims "The sky was blue, bluer than in Kentucky [ and] the sun looked down from it, bright as could be," he implies that out west there is less clutter in the sky, which is the same as his life. He feels like his life is clearer and less stressful out west. He envied and started to feel as free as a bird while out in the openness. He expected a bird was only so lucky to "feel, free, and loose, with the world to choose from (108). He enjoyed the independence and the freedom the west provided.
Not only does Boone encounter more independence but he also encounters the unknown and difficulties along his journey. His determination is a deciding factor in facing the hardships he endures along his quest. The men must learn to deal with their natural surroundings as they unexpectedly come across them. The weather is described as "a cold bully of a wind, full of devilment and power, letting up for a moment and coming on again, stronger than ever, just to plague a man" (74). The west is an unpredictable place in several aspects, which means the men must stay extremely alert.
Guthrie's portrayal of the west shows what a strong impact the natural elements play in shaping one's journey.