The Human Condition – Hatchet (Corrections)

The novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is about a thirteen-year-old boy, Brian that is flying on a private airplane to go meet his estranged father in Northern Canada. The pilot has a heart attack and the boy must land the plane all by himself. He also needs to figure out how to deal with the situation with the little supplies he has. This includes a hatchet his mother gave him. As the sole survivor he must do whatever it takes to get out of the wilderness alive. Over time he learns skills required for survival. At one point, Brian loses hope of being rescued and tries to commit suicide by cutting himself with his hatchet. He survives the attempt and comes out of the experience determined to embrace life and take an active role in his own fate. Throughout the story Brian’s will to survive is constantly tested but his will to live wins. Humans have a built in will to survive and can overcome many internal and external conflicts. This story shows that sometimes our biggest threat can come from within ourselves. But we can persevere and overcome our toughest demons.

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