Hatchet:By Gary Paulsen

Quote 1: “He could do nothing, think nothing. His tongue, stained with berry juice, stuck to the roof of his mouth and he stared at the bear. It was black, with a cinnamon-coloured nose, not twenty feet from him and big. No, huge. It was all black fur and huge. He had seen one in the zoo in the city once, a black bear, but it had been from India or somewhere. This one was wild, and much bigger than the one in the zoo and it was right there.”(pg.29, chapter 7)  -Brian faces a large wild animal for the first time and is overwhelmed and frightened. Also disappointed, he was hoping for Bigfoot. Like so many of his other experiences in the woods, this one is way different from anything he's known in his past life. Thise was also his first encounter with danger in form of wild beasts. This makes him realise the importance of shelter and protection.

 

Quote 2:“Fire. The hatchet was the key to it all."(pg.32, chapter 8) -Brian discovers that the hatchet can be used to help him build a fire. Brian learns how to use the tools he has in hand, and now he needs the hatchet more than ever to help him survive. Heis no longer embarrased that his mother gave him the hatchet as parting gift. He is greatful to his mother and it now has become a symbol of survival and protection

 

 

Quote 3:“He started ripping the bark, using his fingernails at first, and when that didn't work he used the sharp edge of the hatchet, cutting the bark in thin slivers, hairs so fine they were almost not there. It was painstaking work, slow work, and he stayed with it for over two hours. Twice he stopped for a handful of berries and once to go to the lake for a drink. Then back to work, the sun on his back, until at last he had a ball of fluff as big as a grapefruit—dry birch bark fluff.”(pg.35,chapter 9) -Brian makes a plan and follows it. Brian is determined to. This is one of Brian's characteristics and one of the things that would help him stay alive.