Hatchet is a captivating 1986 Newbery Honor-winning young-adult wilderness survival novel by American writer Gary Paulsen. This story centers around Brian, a 13-year-old boy who will see his dad in the summer. Tragically, Brian suffered a plane crash. Fortunately, he drove the plane into the lake and narrowly escaped death. Stranded in a vast forest where nobody's there, Brian initially struggled to find food and shelter. But during these two months, he gradually learned essential survival skills, such as hunting, creating fire, and making a spear for fishing. He even constructed a shelter under a rock overhang. Finally, after two months, he was rescued by a passing plane. This novel has three main themes, which I will explore in this review.
Self-Discovery and introspection can reveal one's true needs and capabilities, fostering personal growth and enhancing the ability to confront challenges. In other words, self-discovery and introspection can help people realize the situation they are experiencing now and find some way to solve the problem. For example, in the story, Brian wants to commit suicide in the first few days in the forest because he thinks he will never be able to survive in the wilderness by himself. However, Brian realized that fear and self-pity could only make things worse. He must take responsibility and proactively address the challenges. So he confronted his fear and insecurities. This realization makes a critical step in his emotional and mental growth. By understanding and accepting his vulnerabilities, Brian becomes more resilient and self-reliant. This fact transformed Brian into a stronger and more capable individual. Brian's journey in the story shows that Self-discovery and introspection can foster emotional and mental growth, paving the way for a better future.
Strong inner strength offers people the courage and the ability to think calmly, which helps individuals make the right choice to overcome various tough situations. Especially in emergencies, people with strong inner strength can calm down immediately and take the right reaction to getting rid of danger. For example, several events show that Brian has strong inner strength. When Brain was on the airplane, the pilot got a heart attack suddenly. Brian has to drive the airplane by himself. In this emergency, Brian decided to land the plane into the lake to avoid crashing. Also, when Brain was in the forest, a bear suddenly appeared before him, and instead of running away, Brian pretended to be dead to prevent the bear from attacking him. These moments showed that Brian has the ability to think rationally under pressure, and that is why he can always solve a crisis in a very dangerous and urgent situation. Brian's experience of survival and growth in the wilderness reveals the importance of strong inner strength in helping people make the right decision to live in a tough situation.
Adaptability is crucial for helping people get used to extreme situations, enabling them to achieve success. By being flexible and resourceful in adversity, people can solve dangerous situations more effectively and faster. For instance, in the first few days, Brian was very unaccustomed to living in the forest. As he confronts various challenges, he learns to adjust to his new environment and develop new skills to survive, such as creating fire, hunting birds, and picking blueberries. Brian's ability to adapt to the new environment and learn new skills in the wilderness is important for him adapting to the new environment and finally being rescued. Through exploring and overcoming numerous obstacles, Brian's adaptability helps him to face extreme situations and achieve success. This fact shows the importance of being flexible and resourceful when facing adversity.
In conclusion, 'Hatchet' imparts invaluable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Self-discovery and introspection are important factors in shaping our future. Moreover, the novel highlights that strong inner strength can save people's lives in an emergency and tough situation. Furthermore, the narrative underscores the value of adaptability, revealing its role in fostering individual flexibility and promoting the development of human civilization. Finally, through Brian's experience, we understand the importance of self-dependence, recognizing that in front of adversity, it is the skill and mentality to help us overcome difficulties and finally be saved.
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