Activity Overview
One of the things that make stories interesting and captivating enough for us to read and enjoy is conflict. Even if we don't want it in our own lives, without conflict, a story can be boring. It is what keeps us guessing at possible outcomes.
Man vs. Nature is the most prevalent in Hatchet. In this exercise, students should think of the different types of conflict and where they arise in the story. In addition to recreating the scene, students should include a description with an identification of the type of conflict and the impact it had on the plot.
An alternate activity would be to depict several instances of Brian vs. Nature in the same format as below. Recreate the scene with a description and show how Brian comes to handle these conflicts over time. How does Brian's attitude and actions change due to these conflicts?
Examples of Literary Conflict in Hatchet
MAN vs. NATURE
The pilot and Brian are helpless in the fight against nature when the pilot suffers a heart attack.
MAN vs. SELF
Brian doubts that he will survive alone in the woods. This is an internal conflict where his doubts threaten his survival.
MAN vs. MAN and MAN vs. SELF
When Brian realizes his mom is cheating on his dad, he has conflicting feelings toward both his mom and her "friend". He also has an internal conflict about keeping this awful "secret" to himself.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in Hatchet.
- Identify three conflicts in Hatchet.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies conflicts as directed and labels them accurately in their correct categories. | Student misidentifies one conflict or includes it in an incorrect category. | Student misidentifies two or more conflicts or includes them in incorrect categories. |
| Conflict Explanation | The storyboard text describes the specific example depicted, not just a general problem. The text clearly explains how the example reflects its particular type of conflict. | The storyboard text describes the specific example depicted, but may lack clarity. Text may fail to fully explain how the example reflects its particular type of conflict. | Storyboard is missing text or contains only partial and/or inaccurate information. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
One of the things that make stories interesting and captivating enough for us to read and enjoy is conflict. Even if we don't want it in our own lives, without conflict, a story can be boring. It is what keeps us guessing at possible outcomes.
Man vs. Nature is the most prevalent in Hatchet. In this exercise, students should think of the different types of conflict and where they arise in the story. In addition to recreating the scene, students should include a description with an identification of the type of conflict and the impact it had on the plot.
An alternate activity would be to depict several instances of Brian vs. Nature in the same format as below. Recreate the scene with a description and show how Brian comes to handle these conflicts over time. How does Brian's attitude and actions change due to these conflicts?
Examples of Literary Conflict in Hatchet
MAN vs. NATURE
The pilot and Brian are helpless in the fight against nature when the pilot suffers a heart attack.
MAN vs. SELF
Brian doubts that he will survive alone in the woods. This is an internal conflict where his doubts threaten his survival.
MAN vs. MAN and MAN vs. SELF
When Brian realizes his mom is cheating on his dad, he has conflicting feelings toward both his mom and her "friend". He also has an internal conflict about keeping this awful "secret" to himself.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in Hatchet.
- Identify three conflicts in Hatchet.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies conflicts as directed and labels them accurately in their correct categories. | Student misidentifies one conflict or includes it in an incorrect category. | Student misidentifies two or more conflicts or includes them in incorrect categories. |
| Conflict Explanation | The storyboard text describes the specific example depicted, not just a general problem. The text clearly explains how the example reflects its particular type of conflict. | The storyboard text describes the specific example depicted, but may lack clarity. Text may fail to fully explain how the example reflects its particular type of conflict. | Storyboard is missing text or contains only partial and/or inaccurate information. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Types of Literary Conflict in Hatchet
Organize a Literary Conflict Debate in Your Classroom
Boost student engagement by hosting a lively debate where students defend which type of conflict in Hatchet is most impactful. Debates encourage critical thinking and help students deepen their understanding of literary elements.
Divide students into small groups and assign each a conflict type from Hatchet.
Assign groups one conflict type: Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Self, or Man vs. Man. Collaboration lets students brainstorm together and analyze the story from different perspectives.
Guide each group to gather evidence from the text to support their assigned conflict’s impact.
Have students find specific scenes and moments where their conflict type shapes Brian’s journey. Textual evidence strengthens their arguments and hones close reading skills.
Host the debate and encourage respectful discussion.
Invite each group to present their case, then allow counterpoints from other teams. Model respectful debate and reinforce classroom norms for listening and responding.
Wrap up with a class reflection on how conflict drives the story.
Lead a brief reflection where students share insights about how different conflicts affect Brian’s growth. This helps students synthesize new learning and see conflict’s role in literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Literary Conflict in Hatchet
What are the main types of literary conflict in Hatchet?
Hatchet features several types of literary conflict, including Man vs. Nature (Brian struggling to survive in the wilderness), Man vs. Self (Brian’s internal doubts and fears), and Man vs. Man (Brian’s feelings toward his mother and her friend). These conflicts drive the plot and shape Brian’s growth.
How does Brian face Man vs. Nature conflicts in Hatchet?
Brian faces Man vs. Nature conflicts by learning to adapt and survive after being stranded in the wild. He deals with hunger, weather, wild animals, and the need for shelter, gradually developing resilience and resourcefulness through trial and error.
What is an example of Man vs. Self conflict in Hatchet?
A key Man vs. Self conflict occurs when Brian struggles with feelings of hopelessness and self-doubt. He must overcome his fear and despair to take action and survive, showing significant personal growth throughout the story.
How can students identify different conflicts in Hatchet for a class activity?
Students can identify conflicts by looking for scenes where Brian faces challenges. They should determine if the conflict is Character vs. Nature (survival), Character vs. Self (emotions), or Character vs. Man (relationships), and describe how each impacts the plot.
Why is conflict important in the story Hatchet?
Conflict is essential in Hatchet because it creates tension and drives the story forward. Brian’s struggles—both external and internal—not only keep readers engaged but also highlight his transformation and resilience.
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