Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen

In the novel “Hatchet,” author Gary Paulsen uses various literary devices to create a thrilling and engaging story. The novel is filled with vivid imagery and descriptive language, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the protagonist’s survival journey. Paulsen also employs foreshadowing and symbolism to enhance the themes of resilience and self-discovery. The use of first-person point of view and internal dialogue adds a personal touch to the story, allowing readers to connect with the main character on a deeper level.

Themes 📚

1. Survival The primary theme of the novel is survival, as the protagonist, Brian, finds himself stranded in the wilderness and forced to rely on his own ingenuity and resourcefulness to stay alive.
2. Coming of age As Brian struggles to survive, he also learns valuable life lessons and matures emotionally, making the theme of coming of age an important aspect of the novel.
3. Self-reliance Brian must rely on himself for survival, which highlights the theme of self-reliance. He learns that he can depend on his own abilities and must trust his instincts in order to stay alive.
4. Perseverance Brian faces numerous challenges in his struggle for survival, and his determination to overcome these obstacles highlights the theme of perseverance.
5. Resilience Despite the difficult circumstances he faces, Brian demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination, which highlights the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
6. Nature The novel explores the beauty and power of nature, as well as its indifference to human life. Brian must learn to respect and work with nature in order to survive.
7. Transformation Brian’s experience in the wilderness transforms him, both physically and emotionally. This theme of transformation highlights the impact that challenging experiences can have on a person.
8. Isolation Stranded alone in the wilderness, Brian experiences extreme isolation, which is a recurring theme in the novel. He must learn to cope with this isolation and find ways to stay mentally strong.
9. Independence Brian’s experience in the wilderness forces him to become independent and self-sufficient. This theme highlights the importance of being able to take care of oneself.
10. Fear Throughout the novel, Brian must confront and overcome his fears in order to survive. This theme explores the role that fear plays in human nature, and the ways in which people can learn to overcome it.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Foreshadowing: The dreams that Brian has before the plane crash are a form of foreshadowing.
2. Imagery: The author uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the Canadian wilderness where Brian is stranded.
3. Flashback: Brian frequently thinks back to his life before the crash, which provides insight into his character.
4. Symbolism: The hatchet that Brian uses to survive in the wilderness is a symbol of his resourcefulness and determination.
5. Metaphor: Brian compares his emotions to a tornado when he is first stranded in the wilderness.
6. Personification: The author personifies the natural elements, such as the wind and the rain, to make them seem like living entities.
7. Allusion: The book references the story of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett when Brian discovers a hidden berry patch.
8. Irony: Brian’s initial excitement about flying in a plane turns into a nightmare when the plane crashes.
9. Simile: Brian compares the feeling of hunger to a “gnawing animal” in his stomach.
10. Hyperbole: Brian frequently exaggerates his own physical abilities, such as claiming that he can run for hours without stopping.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
The pilot’s heart attack	The pilot’s sudden heart attack early in the novel foreshadows the plane crash and Brian’s subsequent struggle to survive in the wilderness.
Brian’s memory of the fire in the city	Brian’s memory of a fire in the city foreshadows the importance of fire for his survival in the wilderness.
The hatchet from his mother	The hatchet that Brian receives from his mother as a gift foreshadows its significance as a vital tool for his survival.

2. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The plane crash	The vivid description of the plane crash creates a sense of urgency and danger, immersing the reader in Brian’s experience.
The descriptions of the wilderness	The detailed imagery of the wilderness surrounding Brian helps to create a sense of isolation and the challenges he faces.
The descriptions of animals and insects	The various encounters with animals and insects are described in great detail, emphasizing the unfamiliar environment and the challenges Brian faces.

3. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The hatchet	The hatchet symbolizes Brian’s resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of adversity, as well as his growing independence and self-reliance.
The fire	The fire represents not only warmth and safety for Brian but also symbolizes his growing mastery over his environment.
The lake	The lake serves as a symbol of both danger and salvation, as it is a source of food and water but also presents various challenges and threats.

4. Flashbacks

Example	Explanation
The “Secret”	Brian’s recurring flashbacks to the “Secret” (his mother’s affair) add depth to his character and provide insight into the emotional turmoil he experiences throughout the novel.
His father’s advice	Brian’s flashbacks to his father’s advice and lessons help demonstrate the skills and knowledge he draws upon to survive in the wilderness.
The fire in the city	Brian’s flashback to the fire in the city helps to emphasize the importance of fire in his survival and provides context for his understanding of its significance.

5. Man vs. Nature

Example	Explanation
The plane crash	The plane crash that strands Brian in the wilderness sets up the primary conflict between him and the natural environment.
Finding food and water	Brian’s struggle to find food and water exemplifies the ongoing battle between him and the natural elements.
Encounters with animals	Brian’s encounters with various animals, such as the porcupine, skunk, and moose, illustrate the ongoing struggle between him and the natural world.

FAQs 💭