Hatchet Chapter 8 Flashcards

Vocabulary and Definitions

• Musty: Describes a stale or moldy smell, which Brian encounters in his shelter.
• Gingerly: Means to handle something with great care and caution, particularly relevant in survival situations.
• Staff: A stick with a special purpose, significance in providing support or as a weapon.

Brian's Experiences

• At night, Brian is awakened by the wind and ultimately smells a porcupine, demonstrating his heightened senses in the wilderness.
• The musty smell in his shelter is identified as originating from the porcupine, highlighting Brian's attentiveness to his environment.

Survival Lessons

• Brian learns that feeling sorry for himself is unproductive, emphasizing mental resilience as crucial for survival.
• In defending his territory, Brian throws his hatchet at the porcupine and kicks it, showcasing his resourcefulness and quick thinking.

Physical Challenges

• Upon removing coils from his leg, Brian experiences significant pain, illustrating the physical toll of surviving in the wild.
• The necessity of crafting a staff or lance arises from the realization that his hatchet is his only tool, underlining the importance of having multiple weapons for safety and effectiveness.

Dream Interpretation

• Brian interprets his dream as guidance from his father, believing he was encouraged to use the hatchet to create fire, reflecting the significance of the hatchet beyond its utility.

Key Discoveries

• By the chapter's end, Brian discovers that he can use his hatchet to ignite a fire on a black rock, marking a critical step in his journey toward survival and independence in the wilderness.