does brian treat his shoulder in hatchet

2 min read 23-01-2025

does brian treat his shoulder in hatchet

Brian Robeson's ordeal in Gary Paulsen's Hatchet is a gripping tale of survival against the odds. One of the many challenges he faces is a severely injured shoulder, a consequence of the plane crash that strands him in the Canadian wilderness. But does Brian treat his shoulder injury? The answer is complex, reflecting the realities of survival and the limitations of a teenage boy alone in the wild.

The Severity of Brian's Shoulder Injury

The plane crash leaves Brian with a dislocated or severely injured shoulder. This injury significantly impacts his ability to perform essential tasks for survival. He struggles with simple movements like building a fire or even carrying supplies. The pain is a constant companion, adding to the mental and physical strain he endures.

Brian's Initial Attempts at Treatment

Initially, Brian's response is driven by instinct and immediate needs. He focuses on more pressing survival concerns—shelter, food, and fire—before dedicating significant attention to his shoulder. His initial attempts at self-treatment are rudimentary, lacking the medical knowledge and resources of a trained professional. He's focused on immediate survival, not long-term injury management.

Addressing the Pain: Natural Remedies and Self-Care

While he doesn't have access to proper medical care, Brian employs simple methods to manage the pain. He rests the injured shoulder as much as possible, instinctively knowing that rest aids healing. We see this through his deliberate movements and his attempts to avoid activities that aggravate the pain.

Improvised Support: Making Do with What's Available

Brian's resourcefulness is evident in his use of available materials to create a makeshift sling for his shoulder. While not a perfect solution, it provides some support and reduces the strain on the injured area, allowing for some limited movement. This highlights his adaptability and problem-solving skills in a challenging situation.

The Lack of Formal Medical Treatment

It's crucial to understand that Brian lacks access to proper medical care throughout the majority of the novel. He's alone in the wilderness with limited supplies and no medical expertise. A proper reduction of a dislocated shoulder, or treatment for a severe injury, is simply beyond his capabilities. He's dealing with survival in the broadest sense; specialized medical attention isn't possible.

The Long-Term Impact of the Untreated Injury

The untreated shoulder injury continues to affect Brian throughout his ordeal. It's a recurring factor in his struggle, highlighting the cumulative effects of stress and injury on a young body forced to endure extreme conditions. The injury serves as a constant reminder of his vulnerability and the harsh realities of his situation.

Conclusion: Survival Trumps Specialized Medical Care

While Brian doesn't receive formal medical treatment for his shoulder in Hatchet, he demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. His focus is rightly placed on immediate survival, and his makeshift solutions demonstrate an intuitive understanding of basic first aid principles. The novel emphasizes survival over perfect medical care, a crucial distinction for understanding Brian's actions and the limitations of his situation. The enduring impact of his injuries underlines the lasting consequences of his ordeal. He survives, but the experience leaves its mark.