Discussion Topic
Who is Mr. Perpich and what is Brian's opinion of him in Hatchet?
By Chapter 5 of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, we learn that Mr.
Perpich was Brian's English teacher in New York. Though only an
English teacher, Brian learned a great deal from him about morale and
optimism, two qualities that are essential for Brian's survival. The
fact that Brian begins to reflect on Perpich's lessons in this chapter shows
that Brian had a great deal of respect and admiration for his
teacher.
By Chapter 5, Brian has just woken up for the third time by the lake after the
crash. The last time he awoke, he was viciously attacked by mosquitoes and
black flies. This time, he is extremely thirsty and hungry. He drinks enough
from the lake to make himself sick. But once the sickness has passed, he is no
longer thirsty and can think clearly for the first time. His thoughts
turn to Mr. Perpich.
As...
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Brian phrases it, Perpich "was always talking about being positive, thinking positive, staying on top of things." Brian also reflects on how Perpich teaches that theway to stay positive is to "get motivated." These
thoughts are sufficient to encourage Brian to become enough aware of himself
and his surroundings to see what he has that will enable him to
survive. He pulls everything out of his pockets and takes an inventory
of his possessions. Aside from his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him
that he has looped through his belt, he does not have much to help him
survive.
He at first feels desolated by this realization but then remembers
another valuable lesson taught by Perpich: "You are your most
valuable asset. Don't forget that. You are the best thing you
have."
Though his thoughts next become negative as he realizes how far off course the
plane went before it crashed, limiting his chances of being rescued soon,
Perpich's lessons help him in his time of need. Due to Perpich's lessons, he is
able to keep his head on straight, build a shelter and look
for things to eat.
What is the significance of Brian's thoughts about Perpich in Hatchet?
The original question had to be edited. Perpich is significant because he helps to provide some of the earliest examples to Brian about the need to demonstrate mental toughness in a trying situation. Perpich was Brian's English teacher. One of his lessons to Brian was the need to affirm positive thoughts and beliefs in trying situations: "a guy named Perpich, who was always talking about...thinking positive, staying on top of things."
It is here where Perpich's significance is evident. Brian begins to channel these thoughts of positive affirmation. In "thinking positive," Brian begins to realize that the only way out of his harrowing situation rests with his own mental strength and fortitude that can guide him through the challenging times. As he continues to try to take active steps towards this level of positive thought, he recalls Perpich's words about self- reliance: "You are your most valuable asset....You are the best thing that you have." Perpich's significance is demonstrated when Brian takes those words to heart and starts to construct his cave dwelling in a manner where he can live there in a protected environment. At the same time, Perpich's words motivate Brian enough to go out in the forest and find a food source. When Brian recognizes that Perpich is right in that he is all that he has, the English teacher's significance as a source of motivation is understood.