In class, I read a book, Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. Lately, I have been thinking deeper into the book. What is the author's message? Today myself and one-third of my class, have each written an individual draft on what we think the message could be. Here is mine...
Daizaleah Marupo
Hatchet Novel Response
Hatchet is a fiction novel that revolves around survival, Gary Paulsen is the author of this book. But the question is, what is the message of this book? What is the author trying to tell his readers? Is there a message? So many questions are swimming in my mind; and I have a few ideas on what the answers could be.
There is evidence in the text that shows a few of my ideas: independence, responsibility and determination. Chapter 16, page 147 Brian -the protagonist- has just witnessed a fierce, merciless whirlwind. It takes out his shelter, his temporary home. Determined, Brian thinks “Is that the best you can do?” Later in the book it shows that Brian rebuilds his shelter using his surrounding resources; this proves my point of independence and responsibility.
Perseverance, my next idea. Hatchet has a lot of evidence surrounding perseverance, one of many being in page 118, Brian is attempting to capture a fish. Brian made many mistakes while trying to catch the fish, but that's what is pushing him to persevere. Brian knows he makes mistakes; he learns from them. After many failed attempts Brian remembers something, something useful. He had learnt in school that water refracts, bends light. Now that he knows this he improves his strategy and succeeds his mission.
I think there are many messages to this book. Everyone has a different view of this book and what the message is. I have shown mine, but there are others who have a different train of thoughts. For all I know the author could have an entirely different message to mine.
