THEME OF SURVIVAL

Theme of Survival

Theme of Survival

Hatchet

Hatchet delivers a wonderful vicarious adventure. The thoughtful, vivid descriptions and the clear development of character and plot allow readers of all ages to appreciate the wonders of life and the glory of nature. Addressing the fears of all adolescents, author Gary Paulsen uses the wilderness to parallel the emotional and physical pains of coming-of-age. His description of both the grandeur and the danger of the wilderness evokes awe and trepidation (Wood, 2001).

At the start of the novel, Brian is struggling with the changes in his life caused by his parents' divorce. Finding himself truly on his own leaves Brian with a primitive urge to survive at all costs. While learning step-by-step how to find food, water, and shelter, he grows physically and emotionally stronger. These changes in Brian's character develop rapidly as he carves out an existence using only his hatchet. In the beginning of the story, the hatchet symbolized the young Brian. His mother gives it to him with the words “Just like a scout. My little scout,” which convey Brian's immaturity and frailness in his mother's eyes. He is embarrassed, worried that the pilot will sees the “hokey” hatchet on his belt when he arrives at the airport. When Brian is alone in the wilderness, however, the hatchet becomes his source of life, much like his mother had been, protecting Brian from nature's elements. Without it, he could never have survived.

Hatchet is a classic tale of a boy's struggle with the problems of coming-of-age. Its sequel, The River (1991), allows the reader to resume the adventure and watch as Brian Robeson continues to master his universe. The reader is allowed to struggle with and feel the pain of the protagonist, as well as to revel in his joy at surviving. Paulsen's ...