🎯 Part 1: Identifying Themes

1. Which of the following is the MAIN theme of Hatchet?

Friendship and loyalty

Survival and self-reliance

Love and romance

School and education

2. Which themes are present in Hatchet? (Select all that apply)

Coming of age/growing up

Man vs nature

The power of positive thinking

Family relationships

Inner strength and resilience

3. How does Brian change throughout the story?

He becomes more dependent on others

He becomes more confident and resourceful

He becomes angry and bitter

He stays exactly the same

4. The theme of "man vs nature" is shown when Brian ________________.

Complete this sentence with your own example from the book.

✏️ Part 2: Theme Analysis

5. Explain how the theme of survival is developed in Hatchet. Give TWO specific examples from the story.

Success criteria: Write in complete sentences and include specific details from the book.

6. How does Brian's relationship with his parents affect his survival journey?

Think about: the divorce, the "Secret", and what he learns about himself

7. What lesson or message do you think Gary Paulsen wants readers to learn from Brian's story?

Success criteria: State the lesson clearly and explain why you think this using evidence from the text.

8. Choose ONE theme from Hatchet that connects to your own life or experiences. Explain the connection.

Differentiation note: You may discuss this with a partner first or draw your ideas before writing.

9. If you were in Brian's situation, which of his character traits would be most important for your survival? Why?