Hatchet Character Analysis

Questions and Answers

Give three reasons why Brian was reluctant to drink the water from the lake.

There was a dead body in it, there were bugs in the water, and the water was murky.

What thought haunted Brian and caused him to panic?

The plane had flown off course, and he realized that it would be difficult for someone to find him.

What lesson did Brian learn from his English teacher?

Do not feel sorry for yourself. You are your biggest asset.

How did Brian apply the lesson learned from his English teacher to his situation?

It motivated him to survive. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian choose to locate his shelter close to the lake?

He felt that the rescuers could find him easier. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did eating so many berries have upon Brian?

He got full and very sick to his stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What was the memory that was painful for Brian?

The secret about seeing his mom with another man. Signup and view all the answers

What sight caused Brian to 'do nothing, think nothing'?

A bear. Signup and view all the answers

Why wasn't Brian harmed from the bear?

He left the bear alone. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Brian to cry until he was all cried out?

When the porcupine stuck him with needles, he felt that it was all too much for him to handle. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian discover to be the most important rule of survival?

Do not feel sorry for yourself! Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did Brian make in the use of his hatchet?

He threw the hatchet. Signup and view all the answers

Why would the mistake that he made in the use of his hatchet be a costly error?

It was the only tool that he had. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian get an idea about how to make a fire?

Seeing sparks from throwing the hatchet. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a conflict of Man vs Nature in the story?

The pilot and Brian are helpless in the fight against nature when the pilot suffers a heart attack and the plane crashes in the wilderness. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a conflict of Man vs Self in the story?

Brian doubts that he will survive alone in the woods. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a conflict of Man vs Man in the story?

The secret that Brian knows. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a conflict of Man vs Machine in the story?

The hatchet is Brian's key to survival. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a conflict of Man vs Society in the story?

Brian keeps reflecting on his parent's divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian finally do for food in the wilderness?

He found a tree with berries on it. Signup and view all the answers

Whom did Brian blame for his predicament?

His mother. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brian's Reluctance to Drink Water

Brian hesitated to drink from the lake due to murky water, presence of bugs, and uncertainty about safety.

Fear of Isolation

The thought of being untraceable and alone haunted Brian, intensifying his panic over survival.

Lesson from English Teacher

An important lesson Brian learned was the significance of self-reliance and not succumbing to self-pity.

Application of Survival Motivation

He used his teacher's lesson as motivation to fight for his survival, reinforcing his determination.

Strategic Shelter Location

Choosing to build his shelter near the lake, Brian believed that rescuers would easily locate him.

Consequences of Overindulgence

Consuming too many berries made Brian feel sick and contributed to his physical discomfort.

Painful Memory

A haunting memory for Brian involved discovering his mother with another man, which added to his emotional struggles.

Encounter with a Bear

Brian experienced an overwhelming sense of shock and fear upon encountering a bear, rendering him motionless.

Lack of Harm from the Bear

Brian escaped harm because he chose to leave the bear undisturbed during their encounter.

Emotional Breakdown

Brian cried after being overwhelmed by the accumulation of challenges, especially after being injured by a porcupine.

Key Survival Rule

The crucial rule Brian discovered was to avoid self-pity, essential for maintaining a survival mindset.

Mistake with the Hatchet

A significant error Brian made involved throwing his valuable hatchet away in frustration, diminishing his survival tools.

Consequence of Hatchet Mistake

Losing the hatchet was costly since it was his only essential tool for survival in the wilderness.

Inspiration for Fire-making

Observing sparks from the thrown hatchet sparked Brian’s idea to create a fire for warmth and cooking.

Conflict Themes

Themes in the story include:
- Man vs. Nature: The pilot's heart attack and the subsequent crash illustrate human vulnerability against nature.
- Man vs. Self: Brian's internal struggle centered around his doubts about surviving alone.
- Man vs. Man: Brian grapples with the painful secret of his parents' divorce.
- Man vs. Machine: The hatchet symbolizes Brian's pivotal tool for survival against nature's challenges.
- Man vs. Society: Thoughts about his parents' divorce create additional emotional burdens for Brian.

Finding Food

Brian successfully identified a berry-laden tree, marks his first step toward sourcing food in the wild.

Blame for Situation

Brian directed blame towards his mother, connecting her actions to his current predicament and feelings of isolation.

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Description

This quiz explores key moments and themes from the book 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen. It focuses on Brian's survival challenges, emotional struggles, and the lessons he learns throughout his experience. Test your understanding of Brian's journey and the significance of self-reliance in survival.