What does the hatchet symbolize in the broader sense of the story?

• A. It is a simple tool with no symbolic meaning.
• B. It represents luck more than skill.
• C. It indicates dependence on external help.
• D. It embodies human ingenuity and the ability to shape his own fate.

Answer: (D)

The hatchet symbolizes resourcefulness and the power to shape one’s own fate. After the crash, Brian relies on it to start fire, carve shelter, fashion tools, and repair gear. Each use shows him solving problems through careful technique and trial-and-error, turning a dire situation into one he can control. The hatchet becomes a constant reminder that his survival depends on his own decisions and hard-won skills, not luck or external help. That’s why it stands for ingenuity and self-reliance, rather than being just a simple tool, a symbol of luck, or a sign of dependence on others.