Hatchet Report
By Tay
In the story Hatchet, By Gary Paulsen, Brian is guided by people who have taught him lessons or had an impact on him. These people give Brian the desire to survive. Brian also uses what they have taught him to survive in the Canadian wilderness.
Perpich, Brian’s teacher is an inspiration for Brian because Perpich teaches him to be positive and to value yourself. Brian applies this when he reaches land and loses hope. Because of this, Brian survives in the wilderness because of the life lessons that he learns from Perpich. One quote that states that Brian is using what Perpich taught him says,”Nothing. It kept coming back to that. He had nothing. Well, almost nothing. As a matter of fact, he thought, I don’t know what I’ve got or haven’t got. Maybe I should try and figure out just how I stand.” This means Brian is Staying positive, looking for solutions.I think the author added this character to the story because Brian would then have lessons to rely on to survive. Because of what Perpich taught Brian, Brian was able to survive in the wilderness..
The Pilot, Who was trying to fly Brian to His dad, Taught brian the basics of flying the Cessna Plane. Brian applies this when the pilot gets a heart attack and has to land the plane in the L- Shaped lake. Because of this, Brian survives the plane crash into the lake. One quote from the book that shows the pilot teaching Brian is,”Now you can turn. Bring her back to the left a little.”
This shows the pilot teaching Brian and that Brian is able to fly the plane.I think the author added the pilot to the story because Brian would need to end up in the wilderness. Because of what the pilot taught Brian, Brian was able to land the plane in the L- Shaped lake.
Brian’s Mom and Dad, who are divorced, didn’t teach Brian anything, but are necessary characters in the story. His parents have an impact on Brian’s desire to survive. One quote from the story is,” In the summer, Brian would live with his father, and in the school year, Brian would live with his mother. I think the author added his parents to the story because Brian needed to relate to someone so he wouldn't be lonely. Because of the quote, It shows that Brian’s family is divided.
After Brian ends up in the wilderness, his thoughts of these people who had an impact on him helped him survive. Because of these people, Brian is able to survive.