Hatchet

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. When Brian first gets the hatchet from his mother, he finds it embarrassing, but later, it proves to be very valuable. Has an older person ever given you something that seemed strange or useless at first, but later became important to you? How did your understanding of this item change over time, and why?

2. Do you think there are times when young people should keep secrets, like the one Brian keeps about his mother’s affair? What are some arguments for and against keeping secrets?

3. Brian’s English teacher gave him advice that inspired him to keep a positive outlook. How can having a positive attitude impact your life and the decisions you make? What meaningful advice have you received in the past?

4. Before reading Hatchet, how much did you value time spent in nature? Do you think this influenced your reactions to the messages conveyed in the story? Why or why not?

5. What is your definition of courage? What do you think is Brian’s most courageous moment?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What are some true stories about people who have survived in the wilderness after a plane crash? How do these stories compare to Brian’s adventures in Hatchet?

2. What is “third man syndrome”? Which experience of Brian’s is similar to this? Do you know of any real-life stories where someone has been helped by a “third man”?

3. What does research show about how spending time in nature affects health and happiness? Do most people spend enough time in nature to experience these effects?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What is a “coming of age” story? What is a “loss of innocence” story? Which of these plot types do you see in Hatchet?

2. Setting is particularly important in this book. How do plot events, Brian’s reactions, and narrative tone work together to build a picture of the wilderness setting Brian finds himself in? How does this portrayal of the wilderness help develop the book’s themes?

3. The hatchet and the rifle are both survival tools, but Brian reacts to them differently. What does each tool symbolize? How do Brian’s differing reactions to them convey his beliefs about life?

4. How do Brian’s memories of his mother characterize her? Learning to see one’s parents as complex human beings with both strengths and flaws is an important part of growing up. How far does Brian progress in this regard during his time in the wilderness?