Trouble
The pilot experienced one of these during the flight.
Heart Attack
Where is Brian flying to at the start of the story?
Canada (to visit his father).
What tool does Brian use to help him survive?
A hatchet.
Why is Brian traveling on the plane?
To visit his father after his parents’ divorce.
What does the hatchet symbolize for Brian?
Survival and self-reliance.
After drinking a lot of water from the lake, Brian did this.
Got sick and threw up.
What is the landscape like where the plane crashes?
A remote wilderness with forests and lakes.
What is the first food Brian finds in the wilderness?
Berries.
What causes the plane to crash?
The pilot’s heart attack and the plane running out of fuel.
How does the wilderness begin to change Brian?
It teaches him patience and resourcefulness.
The plane lands in this when Brian tries to land it.
The lake
In which season does the story take place?
Summer.
How does Brian create fire for the first time?
By striking the hatchet against a stone to create sparks.
How does Brian initially react to the crash?
He is scared, panicked, and disoriented.
What recurring memories or thoughts trouble Brian in the wilderness?
The memory of seeing his mother with another man (the Secret).
This animal caused great pain in Brian's leg.
What is a porcupine?
What type of animal life surrounds Brian in the wilderness?
Birds, fish, and other small animals.
What is one of the first shelters Brian builds for himself?
A small lean-to near the lake.
What problem does Brian face when trying to drink water from the lake?
He drinks too quickly and gets sick.
What does fire symbolize for Brian?
Safety, warmth, and hope.
What natural feature does Brian notice near the crash site that becomes crucial for his survival?
A lake
What lesson does Brian learn after eating too many berries?
He learns to be cautious about how much he eats and to recognize the signs of overindulgence.
What does Brian find in the survival pack from the plane?
A few tools and supplies, though they are not immediately helpful.
What theme is represented by Brian’s changing relationship with nature?
Man vs. Nature and the idea of adapting to survive.