As humans develop, move past childhood, and into adulthood, our state of mind is created by a driving force of independence inside each of us. In Bryce Courtney's novel, "The Power of One", an evolving six-year-old Peekay is portrayed as finding his inner flame of independence within himself in 1940s Africa. As Peekay is in the early stages of development as a six-year-old, his quest for independence is forged by loyal friendships, aspiring goals, and tragic losses. In The Power of One, Peekay has a subconscious sense of isolation and intangible independence where his need to develop relationships is lagging. With this overwhelming sense of loneliness, Peekay remains cautious about who he has relationships with. Though limited, the positive relationships Peekay decides to pursue turn out to be greater than he ever imagined. At the beginning of Courtney's novel, Peekay begins his first personal relationship outside of his immediate family with none other than a chicken. Starting small, Peekay's first relationship with his chicken friend, Grandpa Chook, proves to be a success. “The toughest chicken in the world shook his head and winked at me. How could you go wrong with a friend like him by your side? (Courtney, 22). This friendship is the first of which proves to be the foundation for shaping personal relationships with others and lighting the fire for the flame of independence that will soon blaze within Peekay. In parallel situations, Peekay cultivates another friendship that gives him the initial and final direction of his life. His new partner, Hoppie Groenwald, continues to motivate Peekay for the rest of his life. “Hoppie's words were like pods with wings. They flew hard...... middle of paper ......rm with death, he moves on in his life, with a very special friend, less. Parallel to his second ever friend, unfortunately Peekay found himself alone after Hoppie Groenwald passed through his life like a train passing in the night. almost a goodbye. Hoppie had passed briefly through my life, like a train passing in the night. I had known him for just over 24 hours, yet he had managed to change my life. (Courtney, 103). Peekay's sense of loss at age 6 already makes him more experienced with grief and loss than most people today. Ultimately, a series of loyal friendships, ambitious goals, and tragic losses throughout Peekay's childhood gave him the experience to find and ignite the flame of the power of one within him..