What Were The Most Memorable Moments In The Hatchet

Kiara Adams
Core 3

Bloom’s Level 2 Cognition/Understanding: What were the most memorable moments in the books for you? Why?

The most memorable moments in Hatchet were when Brian was stranded in the forest, and he saw a search and rescue plane coming. For The Odyssey, the most memorable moment would have to be when Odysseus got his revenge on the many suitors that were after his wife.. The reason for me choosing when the search and rescue plane came was because, that was when Brian thought he was finally going home, when in reality the plane never found him. Leaving him stranded, and hopeless. After that, he realized that he had nothing. He then became broken and empty. “ The plane gone, his family gone, all of it gone. They were gone. He was alone and there was nothing for him.”(pg.118). The reason for me choosing when Odysseus took revenge on the suitors was because this was when, after all those years he was able to see his wife. Instead, he saw a bunch of men encircling her and wooing her in order for her to wed them. Odysseus’ anger was obvious, but he held it in and was concealed by Athena. Hidden as an old beggar. This was done because he did not know who to trust. After discovering who to trust, he reveals himself after the archery contest and kills the suitors.

Bloom’s Level 4 Analyzing: Compare and contrast the books’ themes. Is the more than one? How did you establish the theme - is it inferred or blatantly obvious?

The theme in Hatchet is survival. The theme of survival in this book was not at all hard to realize. The whole book was about Brian adapting, and surviving in a different environment than that which he was used to. The theme in The Odyssey, to me, is belief and justice. Throughout the book Telemachus believes in his father, and the fact that his father is still alive. Odysseus brings the suitors to justice. These two books themes are very different. Although both books main characters have to survive in a different habitat, the Hatchet and The Odyssey themes have nothing to do with each other. While Brian is fighting to get back on familiar land, Odysseus is trying to keep a boat in one piece, plus find his wife’s suitors and kill them.

Bloom’s level 4 & 5 Analyzing and Evaluating: What stages of personal development do central characters go through? How have they changed by the end of the story? Do the characters show moral courage?

In the Hatchet, Brian goes from being some random kid on the streets to someone who could think quick on his feet and adapt to his surroundings.

He was able to observe his surroundings and react according to it. By the end of the story, Brian was a whole different person than before. It wasn’t only Brian though, his disappearance had affected those around him too. Brian really didn’t have any chances to show moral courage, except for at the beginning and end. In those two parts, he had to decide whether or not to tell his dad about the “Secret”. In the end, Brian does not tell his dad, which I think shows moral courage. Although for that sort of situation its a matter of opinion. In The

Odyssey,
Odysseus is always prepared, he is ready to go and has thought things through. I think that this shows how he chooses between right and wrong. When he killed Penelope's suitors, he had to decide whether or not that was the right thing to do. As King, it wouldn’t have mattered, but even still he choose to punish them. There is a chance, that he killed them out of pure rage towards them. What I think though, is that he decided that even if he didn’t kill them now. They would still come after him in the future.
Bloom’s level 3 Applying: What did you learn about yourself from these books? Life?
The World? Did they reveal any big insights or change you in any way? Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

I learned from Hatchet that rarely ever does everything happen according to plan. I learned that even though I might have something in mind, I also need to know that there is a chance that it won't happen like I want it to. Also, I learned that you have to adapt to what the world gives you, even if it's a forest in the middle of nowhere. I would definitely recommend this book to others. This book was a really good read, and would especially be good for kids who like adventure. From The Odyssey, I learned to fight for what you believe in. To be loyal to your family and friends, and be careful who I trust. I also learned that in this world, when people want things, they tend to try to take it. So you should always protect what you love. I would recommend this to more advanced readers who like a good classic.