Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

How hard is Hatchet to read?

Hatchet scores 28 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it relatively accessible. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 28 out of 100

The vocabulary in "Hatchet" is largely straightforward and accessible, reflecting its middle-grade target audience. While it introduces some specific terms related to aviation ("bush-plane," "rudder pedals," "fuselage") and wilderness ("tundra," "birchbark," "foolbirds"), these are either common knowledge or clarified by context. The language lacks archaic words, specialized jargon, or complex literary allusions found in higher-scoring anchors like "Moby-Dick" (72).

Sentence structure: 32 out of 100

Gary Paulsen employs a largely direct and accessible syntax, characterized by a mix of short, declarative sentences and moderately longer ones that remain grammatically clear. While some sentences describe complex actions or internal thoughts, they avoid extensive nesting or convoluted structures. The prose is far simpler than the "Jamesian hypotaxis" of "The Golden Bowl" (88) or the lengthy sentences of "Absalom, Absalom!" (85), aligning more with the straightforward style of "1984" (35).

Abstraction: 28 out of 100

"Hatchet" maintains a predominantly concrete narrative, focusing on Brian's immediate physical experiences and survival challenges in the wilderness. While Brian engages in internal reflection about his past trauma and lessons learned, these thoughts are directly tied to his present circumstances and practical needs, rather than delving into philosophical or theoretical concepts. The text is much closer to the "pure comic adventure" of "Asterix the Gaul" (25) than the "existential abstraction" of "Waiting for Godot" (85).

Information density: 30 out of 100

The information in "Hatchet" is presented clearly and sequentially, focusing on Brian's immediate survival actions and discoveries. The narrative maintains a manageable pace, introducing concepts and challenges one at a time without overwhelming the reader with multiple complex plotlines or intricate symbolic layers. This makes the attention demands relatively low, placing it above the sparse reflections of "Diary of a Young Girl" (22) but well below the dense historical detail of "War and Peace" (80) or "2666" (75).

Narrative indirection: 20 out of 100

The narrative explicitly details Brian's thoughts, feelings, and the unfolding events, leaving little for the reader to infer about the plot or his internal state. For instance, his internal struggle with 'The Secret' and his step-by-step learning of survival skills are directly presented, unlike the deep ambiguities of 'The Unnamable' (90). The text consistently tells the reader what Brian is thinking and experiencing.

Symbolic density: 40 out of 100

While the hatchet clearly symbolizes survival and resourcefulness, and the wilderness represents transformation, these symbols are straightforward and directly tied to the narrative's themes. The 'Secret' also functions as a personal trauma, but the text does not layer these elements with complex, multi-faceted meanings akin to the pervasive symbolism in 'Moby-Dick' (90). The symbolic elements reinforce the plot rather than obscure it.

Ironic distance: 20 out of 100

The text maintains a close, sincere perspective on Brian's experiences, presenting his struggles and growth without any significant authorial detachment or ironic commentary. There is no unreliable narration or satirical tone to create a gap between what is said and what is meant, placing it closer to the direct emotional engagement of 'Diary of a Young Girl' (15). The narrative voice is consistently aligned with Brian's immediate reality.

Resolution withholding: 30 out of 100

The primary plot of Brian's survival is definitively resolved with his rescue, and the epilogue provides clear closure on his physical and psychological changes, even detailing the fate of the pilot. While 'the Secret' remains untold to his father, this is a character choice rather than an unresolved plot ambiguity, offering a more complete resolution than books like 'The Crying of Lot 49' (75). The ending provides a clear conclusion to Brian's ordeal.

Structural complexity: 25 out of 100

The narrative follows a strictly linear and chronological timeline, focusing solely on Brian's third-person limited perspective. Flashbacks are clearly delineated as Brian's memories, and the text employs no experimental forms, multiple viewpoints, or non-sequential events that would introduce structural complexity. Its structure is as straightforward as 'Beach Read' (28), making it easy to follow.

How Hatchet is regarded

Hatchet holds a literary regard score of 46 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Gary Paulsen