Plot Recall
What event caused Brian to crash land the plane in the Canadian wilderness?
The pilot suffered a fatal heart attack
What is Brian's main internal conflict? What does he refer to it as?
His parents divorce / The Secret
What kind of plane is Brian flying in when the story begins?
A bush plane
What does the hatchet symbolize throughout the story?
Brian’s resourcefulness, survival, and connection to his humanity
How does Paulsen’s use of short sentences and fragments convey Brian’s emotions during the plane crash?
It mimics Brian’s panic and fragmented thoughts, creating a sense of urgency and chaos
What item does Brian use to try to signal for help when he hears a plane?
A signal fire
How does Brian initially react to being stranded in the wilderness?
He feels panicked and hopeless but gradually grows determined to survive
What "aha moment" does Brian have about his Hatchet?
He can use it to start a fire
How does Brian’s transformation in the wilderness reflect the theme of resilience?
He learns to adapt, overcome challenges, and use the environment to survive, growing stronger both mentally and physically
How does the author use foreshadowing to hint at the importance of the hatchet?
Brian’s mother insists he take it, and its presence is emphasized early, hinting at its key role in his survival
What animal attack leaves Brian in excruciating pain during the night?
A porcupine
Why does Brian decide to store food for the first time?
He realizes he can’t always count on food being available when he’s hungry
What is the purpose for staying near the lake even though it is a breeding ground for mosquitos?
It provides water, food, and a potential landing spot for rescuers
What role does the motif of fire play in Brian’s survival and mental state?
(A motif is a recurring element, such as an image, symbol, theme, idea, or concept, that appears throughout a literary work and helps to reinforce the central themes or ideas of the story.)
It represents hope, safety, and his growing mastery of the wilderness
How does the point of view affect the reader’s connection to Brian?
The third-person limited perspective lets readers closely experience Brian’s thoughts and emotions, fostering empathy and engagement
What two foods does Brian discover that helps him survive?
Gut cherries and turtle eggs
How does the moose attack change Brian?
It forces him to face how truly dangerous the wilderness is and reinforces his determination to survive
What clues does Brian use to find the turtle eggs?
He notices the tracks and the mound left by the turtle on the beach
How does the scene with the wolf symbolize Brian’s new understanding of nature?
He sees the wolf as an equal, part of the same world he now inhabits, rather than as a threat
Why does the author include the imagery of the "first meat" Brian eats after hunting the foolbird?
To highlight the significance of his survival achievements and his connection to primal instincts
What mistake does Brian make while trying to hunt with his spear?
He doesn’t account for refraction in the water, causing him to miss the fish.
How does Brian’s relationship with nature evolve by Chapter 13?
He begins to see himself as part of the natural world, understanding its patterns and rhythms, rather than feeling like an outsider
How does Brian adapt his shelter to protect himself from animals?
He weaves branches together and reinforces it with stones to block the entrance
What does Brian’s realization about the survival pack represent in terms of his character development?
It marks a turning point where he acknowledges his own growth and capability, contrasting his reliance on tools with his newfound self-reliance
How does Paulsen’s depiction of Brian’s solitude contribute to the novel’s exploration of self-discovery?
It forces Brian to rely entirely on himself, leading to a deeper understanding of his strengths, weaknesses, and his place in the natural world