Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary theme in the novel Hatchet?
What does Brian use to create fire?
What does Brian catch to eat?
What is the result of Brian throwing his hatchet at the porcupine?
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What does Brian build to protect himself from the elements?
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What kind of birds does Brian hunt?
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What does Brian use to find food?
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What does Brian's experience with the porcupine teach him?
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What kind of cherries does Brian find to eat?
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What is Brian's attitude towards his situation?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the young-adult adventure novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, which tells the story of Brian Robeson's survival in the Canadian wilderness.