Surviving the Wilderness: Insights from Hatchet Chapter 9

Brian struggles to create fire using sparks and various materials. He experiments with grass, twigs, and birch bark, learning through trial and error. After refining his technique and understanding the need for fine materials and gentle blowing, he successfully ignites a fire. This achievement brings him a sense of companionship and security, as he reflects on his journey and the absence of others to share it with.

What was Brian's initial approach to making fire?

• Using water

• Using dried grass and twigs

• Using stones only

• Using a lighter

Why did Brian's initial attempts with the $20 bill fail to start a fire?

• The bill couldn't catch the sparks effectively

• The bill was too wet

• The bill was not flammable

• The pieces were too large

What characteristic of birch bark made it suitable for fire starting?

• It was wet and heavy

• It was dry and flammable

• It was thick and dense

• It was colorful

What did Brian use to strike sparks into the birch bark?

• A stick

• A hatchet

• A rock

• A knife

How did Brian initially try to make the birch bark suitable for catching sparks?

• By shredding it into finer pieces

• By compressing it into a hard ball

• By drying it in the sun

• By painting it

How did Brian improve his fire-making technique with birch bark?

• By using larger pieces

• By ignoring it

• By making it finer and creating a nest

• By soaking it in water

What realization did Brian have about maintaining a fire?

• Oxygen was crucial for sustaining the fire

• He needed to cover the fire

• He needed more bark

• He needed more water

What was the final step that allowed Brian to sustain a fire?

• Using a fire extinguisher

• Blowing gently on the sparks

• Leaving the fire alone

• Adding more twigs

What emotional benefit did the fire provide to Brian?

• It provided security and companionship

• It made him feel colder

• It made him feel hopeless

• It made him feel more isolated

What did Brian think about as he sat by the fire?

• About going home

• About finding more food

• About building a house

• About what his parents were doing