Hatchet Chapter Review: Survival Skills

Questions and Answers

Where does Brian decide to build his shelter?

A stone ridge

Why was this a good choice for shelter?

It has a stone roof which provides protection from the elements.

What food/meal does Brian think about?

Thanksgiving turkey cooked on the barbecue

What was the first 'food' that Brian finds?

Berries, nicknamed Gut Cherries Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian become very sick?

He ate too many of these berries, he ate the pits, they were under ripe, he ate too much too quickly. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian first try to make fire?

By rubbing two sticks together Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brian feel self-pity when he sees his reflection in the lake? Give 3 reasons.

He sees his face dirty, swollen from mosquito bites, blistered and red from sunburn. Signup and view all the answers

What 'food' does Brian find next?

Raspberries Signup and view all the answers

What animal does he notice eating the berries?

A black bear Signup and view all the answers

At first, what is his reaction after seeing the bear? Then how does it change?

First, he is frightened and wants to run; then he realizes that the bear is interested in the berries and not him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Brian use the windbreaker jacket in a creative way?

He uses it as a pouch to carry the berries. Signup and view all the answers

Explain: 'For the first time since the crash he was not thinking of himself, or his own life.'

Brian is beginning to become less self-centered; he is learning a respect for the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brian sleep with his hand on during the night?

The hatchet Signup and view all the answers

Define: Dormant

Asleep, inactive Signup and view all the answers

Define: Flue

A passage for allowing flame and smoke to escape Signup and view all the answers

Define: Gratify

To please or satisfy Signup and view all the answers

Define: Staff

A stick carried for support while walking Signup and view all the answers

What are two main ways to produce fire?

Friction and percussion Signup and view all the answers

Name one thing that Brian had learned from television/movies/research that he was able to apply to his current situation.

Thinks about berries, making fire, cooking food. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what Brian's teacher meant when he once said: 'You are your most valuable asset...You are the best thing that you have.'

It is important to rely on yourself. Tap into your strengths. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shelter and Food

Brian builds his shelter on a stone ridge, benefiting from natural protection against weather elements.
His initial food thoughts revolve around Thanksgiving turkey, showcasing his longing for comfort food.
He first discovers berries, dubbed "Gut Cherries," which lead to illness due to overeating and consuming pits from under ripe fruit.
Later, he finds raspberries, providing a safer food source in his environment.

Fire-Making and Self-Reflection

Brian attempts to make fire by rubbing sticks together, illustrating early survival instincts.
Gazing at his reflection in a lake brings feelings of self-pity, highlighting his physical and emotional struggles.
He initially fears a black bear he's observed but quickly realizes it shares his interest in berries, marking a shift in his perception of wildlife.

Adaptation and Environment

Creativity emerges as Brian uses his windbreaker jacket as a pouch for berry collection.
His thought process shifts from self-centeredness to a burgeoning respect for nature, recognizing his role in the ecosystem.
Brian’s attachment to his hatchet symbolizes his growing reliance on tools for survival.

Vocabulary and Learning

Dormant refers to something that is inactive, mirroring Brian's state of lonesomeness.
Flue denotes a passage for flame and smoke, relevant for his future fire-making efforts.
Gratify means to please or satisfy, emphasizing the small joys in his challenging environment.
The term staff is used to describe a supportive walking stick, hinting at Brian’s need for assistance during his struggles.
Brian learns two main fire production methods: friction, creating heat to ignite kindling, and percussion, striking objects to spark a flame.

Life Lessons and Preparation

Television and research inform Brian’s understanding of wilderness survival, specifically regarding berries and fire preparation.
A lesson from his teacher about self-reliance underscores the importance of confidence in one’s abilities and the power within oneself as crucial survival tools.

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Description

This quiz explores key themes from 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen, focusing on Brian's journey of shelter building and food gathering. It delves into his adaptation to the wilderness, emotional challenges, and creativity in survival situations. Test your knowledge on Brian's experiences and growth throughout the story!