Literary Elements
in
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
by Tanya Henslee
Point of View
This book is written in Third-Person Limited Omniscient view.
This means that the narrator is not an actual part of the story but knows Brian's thoughts and feelings.
How would the book be different if it was told entirely from a First-Person point of view?
Irony
Irony is when something happens, is seen, or is heard that we may know, but the characters do not.
It can also occur when a situation appears to be the opposite of what is expected.
It is ironic that Brian’s mother gives him a hatchet as a gift before he leaves, because it is the tool that essentially saved his life.
What other
Theme
The theme of a book is an idea that is repeated throughout the story. It is a thought or idea that the author presents to the reader.
One theme throughout Hatchet is perseverance.
Can you name another theme conveyed in Hatchet?
Symbolism
A symbol is a word or object that represents another word or object.
The hatchet could be a symbol to represent Brian's one hope for survival.
What other symbols are found in Hatchet?
Why do authors use symbolism?
Mood
Protagonist
Antagonist
Allusion
Figurative Language
Flashback
Setting
Imagery