Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Quiz

Plot Summary

• The novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a young-adult adventure story published in 1987.
• The protagonist, Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy, is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after the pilot of the plane he was in dies from a heart attack.
• Brian lands the plane in a lake and survives with only a hatchet and the clothes he is wearing.
• He struggles to survive at first, but after a near-miss with a rescue plane, he becomes determined to stay alive.
• Brian learns to hunt, build shelter, and fend for himself, and develops a positive outlook despite facing challenges like a moose attack and a tornado.

Themes

• The novel explores themes of nature, gratitude, self-reliance, spiritual health, and survival.
• Nature serves as a setting and plot driver, influencing Brian's experiences and growth.
• Gratitude is emphasized through Brian's appreciation for modern comforts and his newfound understanding of the importance of appreciating what he has.
• Self-reliance is a key theme, as Brian learns to rely on himself and his hatchet to survive.
• Spiritual health is explored through Brian's development of a positive attitude and appreciation for nature.
• Survival is a central theme, as Brian works to stay alive in the wilderness.

Character Development

• Brian Robeson is the protagonist, a 13-year-old boy who is stranded in the wilderness.
• He is initially struggling to survive, but eventually develops a positive outlook and learns to rely on himself.
• Brian's survival instinct kicks in after a near-miss with a rescue plane, and he becomes determined to stay alive.
• Through his experiences, Brian learns to appreciate nature and develops a sense of gratitude for modern comforts.

Symbolism

• The hatchet is a symbol of survival and a connection to Brian's old life.
• The hatchet is used to create tools and fire, and serves as a reminder of Brian's ability to survive in the wilderness.