Hatchet

Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet narrates the survival story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy thrust into the unforgiving Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. The story depicts Brian’s transformation from a teenage boy from New York City to a resourceful survivor, ultimately emerging as a man deeply connected to nature. At the outset, Brian embodies the stereotypical city teenager. He is struggling with his parents’ impending divorce, harboring a secret about his mother’s infidelity that fuels his anger and resentment. The plane crash throws him into a state of utter helplessness, and, expectedly, his initial reaction is shock and despair.

The turning point comes when Brian remembers the hatchet his mother gifted him. This simple tool becomes a symbol of empowerment, and he uses it to build a makeshift shelter, a testament to his newfound determination. However, this initial success is met with setbacks. He experiences a brutal encounter with a porcupine, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the wilderness. Overcome by despair, Brian contemplates suicide. This incident underscores his vulnerability, which is in stark contrast to the city boy he was.

Brian’s resilience surfaces as he chooses to fight for survival. He starts learning from his mistakes. He observes the behavior of animals, mimicking their techniques for catching fish and building a fire with a bow drill. As Brian adapts to his environment, his resourcefulness increases. A significant symbol of Brian’s evolving relationship with nature is the hatchet itself. Initially, it represented a weapon against the wilderness. Now, it has become a tool for coexisting with it. He learns to identify edible plants and set traps for small game. When he fails at a job, he learns from his mistakes and attempts to redo it again, which starts making him patient and resilient. He also develops a keen sense of sound, something that didn’t exist when he was in the bustle of city life. He also develops an acute sixth sense, sometimes sensing danger before it manifests, making him more animal-like and fitter for survival in the woods.

Brian changes physically as well. When his plane crashes, he is a pudgy boy whose diet comprises hamburgers and his mother’s cooking. However, in the forest, working hard to survive and living off a diet of berries, fish, “foolbirds,” and rabbits changes Brian into a lean, muscled boy, who loses seventeen percent of his body weight during this time. Brian’s emotional growth runs parallel to his physical transformation. He confronts “The Secret,” which has been tormenting him, acknowledging his anger and hurt. He realizes that dwelling on the past won’t help him survive. This act of self-reflection allows him to release some of the emotional baggage he has been carrying. Thus, the novel effectively portrays Brian’s transition from a teenager to a young man—one who is capable of looking after himself and is in control of his emotions.

The book’s climax centers on Brian’s rescue. However, his return to civilization is bittersweet. He has become deeply connected to the wilderness, a stark contrast to his initial fear, as he keeps dreaming about the lake. He marvels at the quantity of food in grocery stores. Finally, while he intends to tell his father about his mother’s affair, he doesn’t do that, which marks his sense of maturity as he has now been able to make peace about his parents’ divorce.

In conclusion, Brian’s journey in Hatchet is a compelling portrayal of human resilience and adaptation. He transforms from a helpless city boy into a resourceful survivor. He learns to live off the land, mastering skills he never knew he possessed. More importantly, he develops a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the natural world. This coming-of-age story transcends the boundaries of a survival tale, offering a profound reflection on the human capacity to grow and adapt in the face of adversity.