Gary Paulsen’s novel Hatchet is principally set in the vast, unforgiving wilderness of Northern Canada. The narrative unfolds primarily around a remote lake and surrounding forest, providing the backdrop for the protagonist’s struggle for survival. This isolated geographical location is key to the story’s central theme of self-reliance.
The selection of this specific setting contributes significantly to the overall impact of the book. Northern Canada, with its challenging climate, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, presents an ideal environment for testing the limits of human endurance. The remoteness of the location emphasizes the protagonist’s isolation and heightens the stakes of his survival.