Questions and Answers
What element of literature does Gary Paulsen use to reveal 'the secret'?
Flashback
Where is the plane taking Brian and why?
To the Canadian oil fields for his summer visitation with his dad.
How does Brian feel as he accepts the hatchet gift from his mother? Why?
Guilty and angry because of the secret.
Why does Paulsen reference the hatchet in Brian's belt repeatedly?
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What happens to terrify Brian during the flight?
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What events signified that the pilot was dying or dead? (Name 3)
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What will Brian rely upon to help operate the plane?
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What will eventually happen if Brian just keeps the plane on a course pointing straight ahead?
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Why does Brian decide to fly the plane onto, and not into, the water?
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Why does Brian call the trees the 'green death'? What type of figurative language is being used?
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What is the secret that bothers Brian?
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Who is it that Brian hears screaming?
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How does Brian escape the plane after the crash?
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How does Brian feel after the crash?
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What causes Brian's eyes to begin to close as the sun comes up?
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Study Notes
Literary Elements
- Flashback is used by Paulsen to reveal Brian's internal conflicts and secrets.
- Repetition and foreshadowing highlight the significance of the hatchet in Brian's journey.
Brian's Journey
- Brian is en route to Canadian oil fields for summer visitation with his father.
- He receives a hatchet from his mother, which stirs feelings of guilt and anger regarding a family secret.
Pilot Incident
- A fatal heart attack strikes the pilot mid-flight, creating a sense of panic in Brian.
- Brian initially struggles to accept the reality of the pilot's death, demonstrating denial in a crisis.
Brian's Response
- Brian’s knowledge and observational skills become crucial for operating the crashed plane.
- If Brian keeps the plane flying straight, it risks running out of fuel and crashing.
Landing Strategy
- Brian opts to glide the plane onto the water rather than crash into it; this choice increases survival chances by avoiding water pressure.
Brian's Perceptions
- He describes trees as "green death," using metaphor to convey danger.
- The "Secret" haunting Brian involves his mother's affair and its impact on the family's divorce.
After the Crash
- Brian experiences a moment of revelation when he hears screaming, realizing it’s his own voice.
- Escaping the submerged plane involves freeing himself from his jacket and seatbelt, then swimming out through broken glass.
Emotions Post-Crash
- After the crash, Brian feels a mix of luck for survival, but unluckiness for being isolated in the wilderness.
- As dawn breaks, Brian becomes fatigued due to mosquito and fly bites, which he humorously compares to vampires.
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Description
Explore key concepts and elements from the first four chapters of Gary Paulsen's 'Hatchet'. This study guide includes important terms such as literary elements used, Brian's journey, and significant plot points. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
