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"Coming of Age", one more time

In the novel "Hatchet" written by Gary Paulsen many literary elements are shown. This is yet another, "coming of age" story we find so frequently in children's literature. Gary Paulsen uses a very descriptive technique when writing about Brian's days in the wilderness. Also, the heroic quest journey is somewhat portrayed. Brian, being a young kid is thrown into a life-threatening event in the first chapter of the book. He has to survive in the wilderness with only a hatchet and his instincts.

To survive Brian has to learn from his mistakes and rely on nature. He has to fend for himself which encompasses him not to think of his parents divorce. Out of all the tasks Brian must perform, this was the hardest. He is an emotional wreck due to the status of his parents and what he knows, "The Secret", about his mother. However, in order for him to survive, he must not dwell upon his family situation. If he was to rack his brain constantly thinking about the divorce, he would loose his focus and inhibitions to survive the wilderness. Gary Paulsen uses this "coming of age" theme for the book, which goes hand in hand with the heroic quest. Brian's quest is to survive.

By surviving Brian learns there is a lot more to life then his parents divorce, and that life will go on. He comes out of the wilderness a stronger person and more mature. We are shown this in the end of the novel by Brian choosing not to share with his mom that he knows the secret. It doesn't matter to Brian anymore about the secret. This is a big step towards maturity for Brian, he realizes the secret is not important anymore, and it will probably make matters worse.

The "coming of age" theme which we see so often in children's literature serves a lot of value. It's a channel way to teach kids the lesson of growing up by using example. It lets children relate to something concrete they have read in a book before. Also, by letting children relate, it helps adults place an emphasis on maturity.

Symbolism is another literary element used by Gary Paulsen. Water, which is a universal symbol, stands for life. The lake Brian lands in is the symbol for water representing life. Brian knew he had to land in the lake to live. Also, the lake serves as a source of food for Brian, which he needs to survive. Secondly, the fool birds are a symbol in the novel. When Brian first survives the landing he can not find the birds. They are right there the whole entire time yet, he doesn't see them. The mind frame Brian is in at this time is what prevents him from seeing the birds. By the time Brian can see the birds he has matured and has experienced the "coming of age". He starts to see things differently, and not only till then does he see the birds, which were so visible.

In conclusion, this novel serves for many purposes. Gary Paulsen represents the theme very well, while adding other literary elements. The "coming of age" theme he has used in written in a different manor then most children's books. His main thesis is put on survival, while relating it to a child dealing with divorce. It teaches children that there are many aspects of life and not to dwell upon things. Using symbolism, we can see how the mind set of Brian has changed by the end of the novel. By intertwining this use of symbolism and the "coming of age" theme, a great novel is produced.

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