Hatchet By Gary Paulsen Theme

Gary Paulsen, through his literature, shows how young adolescents can conquer any obstacle that stands in their way - supporting young people's dreams and making them feel confident that they can overcome whatever struggles they may face. His books Hatchet, Mr Tucket and A Soldier's Heart are all excellent examples of this underlying theme of a dynamic evolution among adolescents. Paulsen also teaches themes of good decision making, what it means to be mature, and responsibility. All of these skills are important to develop during early adolescence.

Paulsen’s childhood plays a large part in how and why he writes the literature that he does. He did not have best life as a child. His father was in the military and was an alcoholic and his

Although he claims he never saw the book having the success that it did, the book was undoubtedly destined for having great success because it combined those themes into a thrilling tale of will and survival.

Hatchet, the story of a 13 year old named Brian who was on a trip from New York to the canadian wilderness to see his father. On the plane ride over the pilot has a heart attack and Brian is forced to land the plane in a deserted lake. Stranded, Brian must survive in the wilderness, left with only a hatchet given to him by his mother. After 54 long hard days in the woods where he faces the elements and attacks from multiple animals, Brian is rescued by a plane who picked up his emergency transmitter.

Hatchet, of all Paulsen's literature, exhibits best the inspiration he is trying to bring to young adolescents. He turns an ordinary boy into a survival hereo. Brain was down and out in a lot of aspects in life. He was struggling with the divorce of his parents and then found himself stranded in the woods having very little survival knowledge. Brian had to dig deep and when it counted he did. The book conveys a strong message of fortitude to any young person going through a hard time. Brian became very self reliant "‘You are your most valuable asset. Don’t forget that. You are the best thing you have’ " (Paulsen 51). This is another very important lesson for young adolescents to