Wisdom Mountain Presents Hatchet

1. Wisdom Mountain PresentsHatchet A Novel by Gary Paulsen

2. Have you ever imagined yourself stranded in a remote environment,alone? “My name is Brian Robeson and I am thirteen years old and I am alone in the north woods of Canada.” Brian found himself isolated in the Canadian forest after his plane crashed.

3. Miraculously, Brian managed to survive the plane crash, only to struggle for food and water and shelter during the next forty-four days. You’ll learn how Brian survived his ordeal when you read the story.

4. Character Hatchet is a “coming of age” story where the main character, Brian Robeson, grows and matures from his experiences in the wilderness. All stories have characters—the people or creatures who act. Brian is the spotlight character in this story, but others have an influence on what Brian does. Here’s an example. Brian’s teacher gave him a foundational idea that helped Brian survive. “Perpich…was always talking about being positive…’You are your most valuable asset. Don’t forget that. You are the best thing you have.’”

5. Brian struggles with issues that are common to teen-agers. His main struggle? The Secret! *Read to discover what secret has made Brian confused and angry.

6. Plot All stories have plot. Plot is “what happens.” The plot of Hatchet is simple. Brian survived a plane crash only to face a new adversary in nature. He struggles to find food by gathering and hunting and fishing. He builds shelter for himself and discovers a new friend—fire! He learns how essential fire is for his survival. Fire provides nourishment, warmth, safety, and a means for sending a signal so others might find him. Even though the plot is a simple one, the conflict contained in the plot is complicated. It comes from the difficulties that Brian faces, and these difficulties bring many questions. Will he survive? Will he forget the secret? Will he find his way home? *Read to find out if Brian has what it takes to survive.

7. Motif Stories often contain objects that are central to the development of the action or the character. These objects are called motifs, and our novel contains a very important one. Can you guess what it is? Of course. The Hatchet—Brian’s tool for survival. Fittingly, his mother gave it to him before he began his journey. The hatchet is symbolic. It stands for strength, providing Brian with a weapon. It stands for survival, a tool for use. It stands for support, a connection with his mother who has always provided for him.

8. Theme Do you occasionally need someone to remind you of those “truisms” that motivate us? Hatchet has lots of these—themes that are relevant to all of us as we face difficulties. If at first you don’t succeed, try again. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or, determination makes up for lack of skill. It’s these ideas that give meaning to the experiences that Brian shares with us, and these ideas express themes from the story.

9. So if you’re looking for an interesting book, one that’s filled with suspense and action, then Hatchet is a book you’ll want to read. Brian’s mistakes can teach you how to learn from mistakes. Brian’s successes can teach you how to learn from success. Mostly, Hatchet will help you see how life struggles, no matter how difficult, can help us to grow and mature. Happy Reading!