"Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how the character of Brian in Paulsen's "Hatchet" grows to manhood as he learns to adapt to his environment in order to survive. The paper explains that Brian feels anger and despair but understands that he must depend on himself. The paper therefore shows how his survival has stimulated his emotional growth and development.

From the Paper:

"After his initial shock at the pilot's death, Brian panics, as just about anyone would in that situation. He finally gains control of the plane and makes radio contact with someone, but he realizes he is going to have to land the plane himself. He is frightened, but this is the first sense of his will to survive - he begins to realize that he will be safer if he lands on water, and he begins to plan, as much as he can, his descent so he can live through the crash. Although the crash itself is extremely dramatic and emotional, Brian survives, and that is his first adaptation of many that will occur throughout this novel."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1987.

More papers on "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen:

• Analytical Essay # 28392 : "The Hatchet" by Gary Paulson"
• Book Review # 111381 : "Honest Money" by Gary North"
• Book Review # 120251 : "The Five Love Languages", by Gary Chapman"

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