Brian's Hunt

Paulsen introduces the novel’s conflict in Chapters 4 and 5 with the inciting incident of the dog’s appearance on shore. Paulsen builds suspense through Brian’s process of figuring out what woke him. Instead of simply stating that Brian heard a dog, Paulsen introduces this possibility, questions it, draws out the moment of suspense, and then finally confirms a dog’s presence. The dog is a mystery to Brian, since no other people are around, and Brian is unsure what caused the dog’s injuries. This mystery creates a foreboding mood as Brian reacts with caution and questions, establishing a new, darker emotional resonance to Brian’s sustained awareness of his surroundings. Brian’s restless mood contributes to the novel’s tension and suspense in these chapters.

Brian uses reasoning and logic as his guide, going through every possibility of what could have caused the dog’s injury. He wants to understand the dog’s situation by thinking through natural behavior and circumstances that would lead a domesticated dog to the lake shore. Brian’s emphasis on the natural patterns and behavior of animals emphasizes his attunement to nature, and suggests that this expertise will be the key to his success, as it was in previous novels. He concludes that it must have been a bear but struggles to truly wrap his mind around this and make sense of it, as a bear attacking a domesticated dog is beyond the expected behavior for the animal. Unable to deduce an explanation, Brian allows instinct to guide him. Paulsen portrays this reliance on instinct as equally important as know-how for survival in the wilderness. Brian has learned to trust his instincts and follows the sense of urgency that he feels even though he cannot explain it. Brian’s ability to trust his instincts without clear reasons illustrates his maturity and the changes caused in his personality since his first experience in Hatchet, when Brian was often unsure of what to do.

The dog’s injuries reveal that nature can be a hostile place, contrasting with the novel’s opening images of the tranquility of the natural world. Although Brian enjoys the peace and solitude nature offers, he is also aware of the dangers it harbors. As he considers what could have attacked the dog, Brian’s thoughts turn to situations in which lynx and mountain lions attacked people. Through these reflections, Paulsen suggests that nature is wild and uncontrollable; even docile animals can become dangerous when hungry or threatened. The dog’s injuries also allow Brian to demonstrate his resourcefulness. He stitches the dog’s wounds with a needle and fishing line and shows his problem-solving abilities when the skin needs to be stretched to cover the wound. Brian decides to use mud on the wound to keep flies away but thinks of a better solution before he finishes. This situation shows Brian’s resourcefulness and willingness to try things and learn from his experiences.

Paulsen highlights Brian’s connection to animals as he quickly forms a bond with the dog. Brian talks to the dog and feels like she can understand him. Although he talks to other types of animals, the dog is special and feels more like a friend to him than others. He starts thinking of the dog as family and thinks about providing food for the dog. Brian’s independence, self-sufficiency, and connection to the dog indicate that Brian’s Hunt is the conclusion of a coming-of-age story. Classic coming-of-age tales often place the protagonist in conflict with nature or society, where the protagonist must make a choice about how they want to live in the world and what kind of adult they want to be. Brian, who originally did not choose the wilderness in Hatchet, has decided on his path in life by choosing the wilderness. Paulsen places the dog in Brian’s care to highlight his self-sufficiency and growing maturity. Not only can Brian survive in the wild, but he can care for another creature at the same time. Connections with animals, particularly dogs, are common in coming-of-age stories for young boys. Brian’s growing bond with the dog clues readers into the coming-of-age conventions of the story.

Brian’s hunting abilities complicate his connection to animals, interrogating multiple ways of relating to the natural world with respect. He knows where to look for deer in the late afternoon and stalks his prey quietly and patiently. When he goes to shoot a buck with his bow, he can see exactly where his arrow needs to go and is unified with his weapon. The narrator explains that Brian prefers to hunt with a traditional bow rather than a rifle or compound bow, as hunting with more sophisticated weapons would create separation between him and his prey. By insisting on his connection to the animal whose life he takes, Brian embodies his belief that hunting and closeness with nature are not in opposition. Instead, it is his respect for nature that allows him to hunt ethically and sustainably.