10 Questions
What helps Brian to think rationally and take steps to survive in the wilderness?
Perpich's advice
What does Brian's uncle Carter always eat in the morning?
Raw eggs
Who does Brian's mother have an affair with?
The man with short, blond hair
Why does Brian feel angry and sad?
Because his mother is having an affair
What does Brian learn to do in the wilderness?
Become an adult by making sure all of his own needs are met
What does Brian remember about his uncle Carter?
He always eats raw eggs
Why does Brian view the man with short, blond hair as distant?
Because he does not have a name
What does Brian blame for the divorce at the beginning of the novel?
The man with short, blond hair
What does Perpich teach Brian?
That he is his own most valuable asset
What does Brian do to survive in the wilderness?
He builds a shelter and finds food
Study Notes
Hatchet Novel Overview
- The novel "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen was published in 1986 and focuses on the story of Brian, a 13-year-old boy from New York.
- The story takes place after Brian's parents get divorced due to his mother's secret relationship with another man.
Main Character - Brian Robeson
- Brian is the 13-year-old protagonist from New York.
- He feels sad, angry, and guilty due to his parents' divorce and his mother's affair.
- Brian is determined to survive alone in the wilderness after the plane crash.
- He uses his prior knowledge and reasoning skills to land the plane safely and survive in the wild.
Other Characters
Brian's Mother
- She is the cause of Brian's parent's divorce due to her affair with another man.
- She gives Brian a hatchet before he boards the plane, which becomes a crucial tool for his survival.
- Brian's mother is a source of nourishment, even though he is angry at her initially.
Brian's Father
- He is the person Brian is going to visit in Canada for the summer.
- Brian feels guilty for not telling his father about his mother's affair.
- Memories of his father help Brian survive in the wilderness, such as remembering how to start a fire using a hatchet.
Terry
- He is Brian's friend from home, who appears in Brian's memories throughout the novel.
- Memories of Terry help Brian survive, such as remembering how to identify raspberries.
The Pilot
- He is an old and experienced pilot who suffers a heart attack and dies during the flight.
- The pilot's death marks the beginning of Brian's journey to take charge of his own survival.
Mr. Perpich
- He is Brian's English teacher, who taught Brian to stop, calm down, and assess the situation.
- Brian remembers Mr. Perpich's words of wisdom, which help him believe in himself and fight for survival.
Uncle Carter
- He is Brian's uncle, who eats raw eggs in the morning.
- Brian remembers this and uses it to determine that he can eat turtle eggs raw safely.
The Man With Short, Blond Hair
- He is the man Brian's mother has an affair with.
- Brian sees him as the cause of his parents' divorce initially, but eventually comes to terms with it.
This quiz is about the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, focusing on the protagonist Brian's journey.
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