In class I read Hatchet. I have been thinking about the author's message. We had to write a reading response to the book in testing conditions. Here are my thoughts about the book.
Written By: Dechei August Kākā
Hatchet is a survival and fiction novel written brilliantly by Gary Paulsen. It revolves around a young 13-year-old boy, Brian Robenson. Due to crashing into the Canadian forest, Brian is forced to survive. After reading this book, I noticed a few main messages inside the text. They may not stand out but they’re there. This piece of writing is focusing on one main question: what is the message that Gary Paulsen wants us to see?
In chapter 13, Brian is trying to catch food. He has carved and made a bow and a couple of arrows. Hours pass and he is still empty-handed and hungry. He starts to think about ways to capture the fish with his weapon. Finally, he is successful and happily full. Brian had to be smart and self-reliant to complete his objective. In this chapter, Brian is becoming independent. He has found a way to supply himself with food to prevent starvation. This is a great and meaningful message Gary Paulsen is stating. Independence.
Another message is located in chapter 16 of the book. Brian has sustained a good, functional routine. He has food, shelter, water and warmth; his survival is dependent on all four of these things. Brian is content with how his survival is going, but as the day goes on those circumstances change. First off, Brain is viciously attacked by a moose, injuring his ribs. After trekking back to his shelter, he decides to rest his damaged body so he sleeps. Waking up to the horrendous sound of a tornado, Brain panics. It comes and sweeps away his shelter, and firewood while utterly destroying his camp. But Brian is determined and thinks, is that the best you can do? This shows the determination Brian has. He doesn’t let the problems around him pull him down. This message says to be determined and never give up.
In the end, Hatchet was an amazing read. Gary Paulsen constructs this book in a way that keeps you reading. His messages of not giving up and being independent are not only needed in handling survival, but also in handling real-life situations. Brain Robenson is an amazing and inspiring character: he braves the wilderness, sustains himself while also sending meaningful messages to all readers. So, the answer to our main question (what is the message that Gary Paulsen wants us to see?) isn’t just one answer but many. Be determined, be independent, think positive; all of these can be an answer. The many messages are all motivating and that is what makes them special.
