Hatchet Question Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What did Brian decide to do with the food that was inside the survival bag?

He appreciated and was fascinated by food.

Describe how Brian was rescued.

A pilot received the emergency transmitter that Brian accidentally left turned on and saw the tail of the plane in the lake, leading to his rescue.

Some of the changes Brian underwent were permanent. Explain.

Brian developed greater appreciation for food, thoughtfulness in his actions, and improved observational skills.

Guess how Brian's parents felt upon learning of his rescue.

They were probably overwhelmed and grateful beyond explanation. Signup and view all the answers

Why, do you suppose, did Brian keep the secret about his mother's relationship with another man?

Maybe it doesn't seem as important anymore since he realizes his parents are no longer together. Signup and view all the answers

Predict the effect this experience will have on Brian's adult life.

He will not take things for granted, will respect nature, and will have confidence in overcoming challenges. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Brian traveling in a bush plane?

He was traveling to go see his father for the summer. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the reason Brian was having a difficult time accepting his parents' divorce.

He knows a secret about his mother, which caused the divorce and he has not told anyone. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian's mother give him a hatchet, and how did he feel about the gift?

She thought he could use it in the woods of Alaska with his father; he was embarrassed to wear it but did so to avoid hurting her feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the reason Brian was stricken with a white flash of horror.

The pilot has had a heart attack and he is 7000 feet in the air alone. Signup and view all the answers

Evaluate Brian's first reaction after the pilot's attack. Was it a normal response?

At first, he can do nothing, then he checks to see if the pilot is alive, and when he realizes he's not, he tries to take control of the plane. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian know a little about how to fly the plane?

Before the pilot died, he let Brian fly the plane for a little while, and he mentions that he read about flying planes. Signup and view all the answers

Judge Brian's decision to wait for the plane to run out of gas.

If he had not waited to run out of gas, he may have been able to land with more options or continue in search of a better landing spot. Signup and view all the answers

What plan did Brian envision that would help him to land safely?

He thinks that when the plane runs out of gas, he can land by slowing the plane near a lake with enough tree-free space to land safely. Signup and view all the answers

According to details provided, what was the total amount of time that Brian was flying in the plane?

Around 4 or 5 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian want to find a lake directly in front of him?

So he could land in it without having to turn the plane. Signup and view all the answers

Evaluate Brian's ability to handle the controls of the plane. Do you think a boy his age could realistically land a plane under these circumstances?

Maybe? He watched the pilot, who helped him fly for a while, and he also had exposure from movies and video games. Signup and view all the answers

Make a list of the sensory details that were used to describe the crash landing.

Sights and sounds included: 'slammed forward in his seat', 'wild crashing sound', 'the water as hard as concrete', 'screams of fear and pain'. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what happened to Brian at the end of this chapter.

He escapes the plane that has crashed in the lake and swims up through the broken window until he reaches land and passes out. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the secret that was 'like a knife cutting into Brian.' Why was this thought so upsetting to him?

He saw his mom with another man and knows that she was cheating on his dad. Signup and view all the answers

What new menace plagued Brian with the rising of the sun, and how was the problem resolved?

The mosquitoes and flies attacked him, but they went away when the sun fully came out. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Brian thought he had both good and bad luck.

He was lucky to not hit the rocks when landing the plane, but he was not lucky to be on the plane in the first place. Signup and view all the answers

Predict what Brian might do to save himself and what would be your first priority.

Food, water, shelter, fire, rescue. Signup and view all the answers

Why was he reluctant to drink the water, and what did he decide to do?

He didn't know if it was safe to drink and knew the pilot was dead at the bottom of the lake, but drank it anyway because he was very thirsty. Signup and view all the answers

What tool did Brian have with him?

The hatchet. Signup and view all the answers

What thought haunted Brian and caused him to panic?

They may never find him. Signup and view all the answers

Relate the lesson that Brian learned from his former English teacher and how he applied it.

His teacher told him to stay positive and that he is his biggest asset, which motivated him to try to figure things out. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Brian's reasoning for locating his shelter close to the lake.

He thought there was water that he could drink and that if they tracked down the plane, he would be near it. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian finally do to seek food in the wilderness?

He followed birds to some berries and ate them. Signup and view all the answers

Whom did Brian blame for his predicament, and evaluate his thinking?

He blamed his mother for the affair which put him on the plane to see his dad; his thinking was not very logical but was heavily influenced by his anger. Signup and view all the answers

Create a word picture of Brian's shelter.

His shelter was in a cave and near the lake, probably dirty, uncomfortable, and full of leaves and sticks. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did eating so many berries have upon Brian?

They made him sick - vomiting and diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the painful memory that Brian had.

He remembered seeing his mother kiss another man in a station wagon outside the mall. Signup and view all the answers

What sight caused Brian to 'do nothing, think nothing', and why wasn't he harmed?

He turned to find a large bear right next to him eating berries; he wasn't harmed likely due to the bear being focused on eating. Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree or disagree with Brian's view that the danger in a city park was worse than in the woods?

Disagree, because in the woods there are lots of animals like bears, and there isn't food he can buy; he has to find it. Signup and view all the answers

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

After the porcupine stabbed his leg and he was left in the dark alone. Signup and view all the answers

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

Feeling sorry for yourself doesn't work and doesn't help him solve his problems. Signup and view all the answers

What mistake did Brian make with his hatchet, and what could this have cost him?

He used his hatchet to swing at the porcupine and was poked by its quills; this could have been a costly error. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian get the idea to make a fire?

He remembered something about him and Terry making a fire in a dream. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Brian's first attempts to make fire and why they were unsuccessful.

He created sparks but didn't have something good for the sparks to catch on; he collected the right material, but it didn't have enough air. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian use his hatchet?

He chopped wood, skimmed thin bark to use as an accelerant, and used the metal to hit for a spark. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Brian's past science lessons help him in his pursuit of fire?

He thought about what he needed to make a fire based on his teacher's lessons, which helped him collect materials and blow on the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brian's reaction when he finally achieved his goal, and why did this accomplishment make him feel lonely?

He was excited and proud but had no one to share his accomplishment with. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the disadvantage of fire despite its advantages for Brian.

Fire needed his constant attention to stay lit. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian's attempts to read the tracks in the sand culminate in an important discovery?

He figured out that it was a turtle laying eggs, which led him to food. Signup and view all the answers

Judge Brian's reasoning for not focusing on rescue.

He said if he forgets about being rescued, they will forget about trying to find him; it is important to signal his location. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the changes in Brian's mind and body.

His skin was tanned, his face burned by the fire, and he lost weight; his mind and body began working together instinctively. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Brian's plan for a signal fire.

He cannot keep a fire going constantly, so he will prepare a fire at the top of the bluff and run a branch up to light it if he sees a plane. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian get the idea to catch fish?

He watched a bird eat a fish and thought he could do it if a bird can. Signup and view all the answers

Judge the importance of Brian having things to keep him occupied.

Brian gets depressed if he doesn't keep busy, so keeping occupied helps distract him. Signup and view all the answers

How did Brian make his fishing spear, and why didn't it work?

He used the hatchet to sharpen a stick but was too slow for the fish. Signup and view all the answers

Analyze Brian's statement: 'Maybe it was always that way, discoveries happened because they needed to happen.'

Brian suggests that necessity drives innovation and solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian notice about his eating habits?

He was actually full after eating the raspberries. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the mood at the end of this chapter considered pessimistic and hopeless?

Brian heard and saw a plane but missed the opportunity to signal, realizing he may never be rescued. Signup and view all the answers

Where and how did Brian feel like a new person?

After the plane passed him and realizing he would not die, giving him the motivation to keep going. Signup and view all the answers

Explain refraction and how it helped Brian catch his first fish.

Refraction is when water bends the shape of objects, so if he aims slightly below an object, he can hit it. Signup and view all the answers

Cite examples of ingenuity shown by Brian in this chapter.

He figures out how to catch fish and lure them with the guts from previous fish. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian mean when he said he was full of tough hope?

He meant that he no longer feels sorry for himself and is mentally tough and hopeful for survival. Signup and view all the answers

Judge Brian's conclusion that mistakes were more serious in his situation than in the city.

He believed that a sprain or inability to walk could be life-threatening in the wilderness, unlike in the city. Signup and view all the answers

According to Brian, what was the 'great, single driving influence in nature'?

Food. Signup and view all the answers

What lessons did the skunk teach Brian?

Protect your food source and have a good shelter for protection from animals. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Brian's solution for storing fish.

He builds a pond out of a section of water with a trap. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Brian's method of keeping track of time.

He marks each day on a stone near his shelter and makes a 'mental journal' of important memories. Signup and view all the answers

What drove Brian crazy about the foolbirds?

They were everywhere but camouflaged so well that he couldn't find them. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Brian figured out the secret to finding foolbirds, and judge his First Meat.

He knew he couldn't see their color well, but recognized their distinct shape and finally caught one, which he called his 'First Meat.' Signup and view all the answers

How was it possible for Brian to do things he'd never done without anyone teaching him?

He continued to try and fail, learning from his mistakes each time. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Brian said that dipping his hands in the water was nearly the last act of his life.

Because a moose charged him and almost killed him. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Brian feel the same hopelessness as when he first landed?

He realized he had changed and learned how to adapt; he became mentally tough. Signup and view all the answers

Cite an example of humor shown by Brian after the tornado.

He hoped the tornado would hit the moose. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian discover while measuring the tornado's damage?

The tornado had flipped the plane, and now the tail was sticking out of the lake. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Brian's remark: 'I would be rich if I could get at the pack.'

Because money is useless in the wilderness; real riches come from useful supplies and tools for survival. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian build a raft?

To get to the plane and gather supplies out of it. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brushpile One?

It was the raft that he built out of logs with stems. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Brian's problem at the end of this chapter.

He used the raft to swim out to the plane but couldn't find a way into it after spending so much time swimming. Signup and view all the answers

What statement reflects Brian's attachment to the hatchet?

For all this time...the hatchet had been everything...the hatchet was, had been him. Signup and view all the answers

What important lesson did Brian remember after dropping the hatchet?

He recalled that feeling sorry for himself doesn't do any good and he needs to focus on solving the problem. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian save the pieces of aluminum from the fuselage?

He thought they could be used for something, like fish lures or arrowheads. Signup and view all the answers

What sight made Brian scream in horror?

He saw the pilot's head that had been eaten away by fish. Signup and view all the answers

Rate the contents of the bag and list the items in order of importance.

Radio transmitter, matches/lighters, knife, first aid kit, food, pots/pans/utensils, fishing materials, sleeping bag, soap. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Brian dislike the change brought by the rifle and lighter?

He had adapted to survival without modern conveniences and learned to depend on his instincts and ingenuity. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brian choose to do with the food he found?

He decided to have a feast and save the rest so it will last as long as he needs it. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Brian's Journey and Challenges

Traveling to visit his father for summer in Canada provides the backdrop for Brian's character development.
Brian carries a secret about his mother's infidelity that contributed to his parents' divorce, causing him emotional distress.

The Hatchet Symbolism

Brian receives a hatchet from his mother, which symbolizes survival, yet causes embarrassment for him as he copes with his family's situation.
His mixed feelings about the gift reflect his internal conflict and desire to support his mother's fragile emotional state.

Plane Crash Incident

The pilot suffers a heart attack at 7,000 feet, initiating a critical survival situation for Brian.
Brian's panic and horror upon realizing he must take control illustrate his transformation from a boy into a survivor.

Initial Reactions and Decision-Making

Brian exhibits shock and denial at first after the pilot's attack, a common human response in crisis situations.
He attempts to land the plane, realizing the consequences of waiting too long to find a safe place to crash.

Survival Instincts

After the crash, Brian’s immediate priority is survival, leading him to seek food, water, and shelter.
His decision to drink potentially contaminated lake water showcases the desperation he feels from thirst.

Coping with Isolation

Brian learns important lessons about perseverance and self-reliance throughout his time in the wilderness, including keeping a positive mindset.
His feelings of loneliness increase after significant milestones like making fire and catching his first food.

Nature's Challenges

Brian navigates numerous adversities, including encounters with wildlife that threaten his safety.
Experiences with eating berries lead to illness, highlighting the risks of consuming unknown food sources.

Evolution and Ingenuity

Brian's skills develop as he adapts to his environment, using available resources creatively, such as crafting tools and shelter.
His ingenuity is emphasized when he faces problems like a tornado, leading him to find opportunities and solutions.

Rescue and Personal Growth

After months of hardship, Brian's resourcefulness pays off when he accidentally activates a distress signal, leading to his rescue.
The experience profoundly alters Brian, fostering mental toughness and a deeper appreciation for life.

Reflections and Future

Brian’s trauma contributes to a complex perspective on family relationships, where his previous pain about his mother’s affair diminishes as he reflects on personal growth.
Anticipating his adult life, Brian vows to respect nature and appreciate the simple comforts he once took for granted.

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