Similarly, learning to be grateful and respectful is the fundamental step to establish a connection between friends and families in real life. This is a pivotal moment for Brian as he learns how to respect his surroundings, both the animals and the nature. He considers himself as an ‘exception’, a ‘cheater’, and he would rather put more effort and time into his survival, than break the ‘rule’ of nature. When Brian finds the rifle in the survival kit, and holds it in his hand, he instantly has a strange feeling which he feels that he isn’t part of the nature. On the other hand, Brian also shows respect to the nature, and to the animals. Living in the wilderness teaches Brian the importance to cherish those beautiful moments with his friends and families. ‘When he was hungry he went to the fridge, or to the shops, or sat down at a meal his mum cooked.’ Everything is well-prepared for Brian and he always takes it for granted, but when Brian lives under hardships in the wilderness, he suddenly recognises the convenience of city-life and the comfort of living with his mum, he feels grateful to all he had, whilst feeling a sense of guilty. Lacking of food was never a concern for Brian when he was back in the city.

No matter how big is the obstacle or difficulty, people who are resilient and optimistic can always overcome the challenge in a positive way.īrian’s time in the wilderness teaches him to be grateful to what he has and to be respectful to the nature. In the similar way, it is important to be resilient and optimistic in coping with difficulties in real life, as these qualities can help people manage their stress and maintain a good attitude.

These characteristics help Brian to develop his mental toughness as it’s crucial for Brian to survive in the wilderness. Brian also demonstrates resilience after encountering a tornado which devastates almost all his tools and surroundings drastically, including his bow and arrow, and even his shelter, but instead of being frustrated and depressed, Brian calmly accepts it and rebuilds his shelter and other necessary infrastructures with only his hatchet. This moment is pivotal for the change of Brian’s character and this realisation shows Brian’s resolve to stay positive and determination to survive in the wilderness.

While he’s pulling out hundreds of quills, Brian cries out loudly in severe pains, but soon, he realises that this just means nothing, crying and feeling “sorry for himself just didn’t work”. Once, a porcupine pricks Brian’s leg with extremely sharp quills. Brian’a experience in the wilderness teaches him the importance of mental toughness through various challenges.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen