Hatchet

Brian notices himself changing during his time in the woods. What kind of changes does he undergo? Why?

Brian often talks about luck. Does Brian have good or bad luck? What does the novel say about the concept of luck?

What qualities or traits does Brian gain from his experience? How does his experience permanently change his personality?

Brian attempts suicide and afterward considers himself new, or reborn. What is changed in Brian after this severe depression, and what is the new Brian like?

How does Brian’s experience and the novel as a whole portray nature? How does it portray the human relationship to the natural world?

How would Brian’s experience have been different if he had retrieved the survival pack right away? What would he have learned, or not learned, if he had it?

The Epilogue suggests that Brian took many valuable lessons and character strengths away from his time in the woods. Do you think Brian is better off for having this survival experience? If not, why?

How does the secret of his mother’s affair affect Brian? How does his relationship with her change throughout the novel?