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Hatchet, a la Shmoop. In Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, Brian uses a hatchet
his mother gave him to survive in a forest after getting marooned in a plane crash.
Because this hatchet thing gets top billing, we have to imagine that it symbolizes something
pretty important. If it's not simply because Brian finds it
exceptionally useful...
... could it be that the hatchet represents a bridge between technology and nature?
Maybe it denotes feelings of hope and despair?
Or perhaps it is Brian's last vestige of his home?
We actually like to think that it symbolizes the tools we need -- physical or otherwise
-- that help us through some tough times.
We wouldn't recommend trying to get through a rough break-up with a literal hatchet though.
You could wind up serving 40 to life. So question: Do our parents give us enough
tools to make it through life's disasters?
Are we stronger... ...or weaker than our parents?
With all the modern challenges thrown our way...
...are 'Kids These Days' going to be... okay? Is the whole world going to end?
Will this be the 'Last Generation'...ever? Probably not.
But are parents giving kids the 'Hatchets' they need...
...to survive this modern world? Brian got a real hatchet...
...without which he wouldn't have been able to construct a shelter, cut up his meals,
or defend himself against predators. But us kids are getting 'mental' hatchets...
...so we can cut through our challenges... ...and find our way out of our own forests,
just like Brian did. Even though parents are helping...
...it's still up to us kids to use our tools. For good...
...or for not so good. But preferably for good.
Kids are as strong as they've ever been... ...but what about the next generation?
Will the world end with them, or will they figure out how to use their own hatchets to
make their way? Shmoop Amongst Yourselves.