Hatchet
1. What is the main message or theme of the novel, and how does the plot develop to convey
this message?
2. Who is the protagonist of the novel, and how do their actions and experiences shape the
story and its outcome?
PEEL is an acronym for a writing technique that can be used to structure paragraphs in an essay or
other written work. Here's what each letter stands for:
•
P stands for Point: Begin the paragraph by introducing the main point or topic you will be
discussing. This should be a concise statement that summarizes what the paragraph is about.
•
E stands for Evidence: Provide evidence to support the point you have made. This can be a
direct quote from the text or other sources, or it can be a summary of information that
supports your argument.
•
E stands for Explanation: After presenting the evidence, explain how it supports your point.
This is where you should analyse and interpret the evidence, making connections between it
and your overall argument.
•
L stands for Link: End the paragraph by linking your point back to the main argument or
thesis of your essay. You can do this by summarizing your main point and connecting it to
the broader themes or ideas of the work.
Using PEEL paragraphs can help to ensure that your writing is well-organized and that your
arguments are clear and well-supported. It can also help to break down complex ideas into smaller,
more manageable pieces, making your writing more accessible to readers.
Here's an example of a PEEL paragraph that answers the question "What is the main setting in the
novel Hatchet?" using the PEEL structure:
P: The main setting of the novel Hatchet is the Canadian wilderness.
E: This is made clear from the very beginning of the novel, when the protagonist Brian Robeson is
flying over the forest in a small plane. When the pilot suffers a heart attack and the plane crashes,
Brian is left stranded in the middle of the wilderness with no one to help him. The majority of the
novel takes place in this setting, as Brian struggles to survive in the harsh and unforgiving
environment.
E: Throughout the novel, the setting of the wilderness is described in great detail, with vivid
descriptions of the trees, animals, and weather that Brian encounters. The setting serves as a major
obstacle for Brian, as he must learn to adapt to his surroundings in order to stay alive. For example,
he has to learn how to make a fire, find food and shelter, and protect himself from dangerous
animals like bears and wolves.
L: Overall, the setting of the Canadian wilderness is a crucial element of the novel Hatchet, as it
provides the backdrop for Brian's struggle to survive and serves as a constant reminder of the harsh
and unforgiving nature of the world around him. Through his experiences in this setting, Brian learns
important lessons about himself and the world, and ultimately emerges from the wilderness as a
stronger and more resilient person.
Extension: Write a character analysis of Brian Robeson from Hatchet, focusing on how his
experiences in the wilderness change him over the course of the story. Use specific examples from
the text to support your analysis and consider factors such as his physical and emotional
development, his relationships with other characters, and his evolving attitudes and beliefs. Finally,
explain what lessons Brian learns from his experiences in the wilderness and how these lessons
contribute to his overall character development.