Jake, over time, becomes a leader and a hero to the native population. Who is Jake, really? It's clear that his abilities, fostered by his new experiences, are way beyond what he would be capable of in a wheelchair.
Is this a writer's creation, or does it explore an element of human experience? What is the connection between my limitations and my true self? I choose to believe that my true self is not hampered by my differences, but rather is fostered by the need to work harder to achieve my goals. As I observe my reaction to this idea, I am very aware that I'm speaking as someone with a lifetime disability. Someone who has been disabled later in life might have a different reaction.
I attended a seminar that included an afternoon spent with a speaker who talked about the instructional possibilities for Second Life. We were then encouraged to go onto Second Life and create an account, and choose an avatar, and do some experimenting. I discovered that the thought of having a second self, made me really uncomfortable. I have worked really hard at achieving a level of self acceptance. Perhaps avatars work for folks who have not had to struggle to stay in their bodies, and accept that deck that they got dealt.