Final answer:
Memory moments in 'Hatchet' are essential in reinforcing the themes of survival and resilience, by showing how the protagonist's past experiences help him overcome the challenges he faces in the wilderness. They add depth to his character and underline the significance of knowledge and training for survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Memory moments in 'Hatchet' are crucial for understanding the themes of the story. These memories help readers gain insight into the protagonist's character and contribute to the themes of survival and resilience by showing how past experiences shape his actions and mindset. Memory moments, like motifs, are a narrative tool used to highlight themes by drawing attention to them through repetition. They also occasionally function as symbolic elements, representing, for example, the protagonist's childhood or previous life before this survival challenge. Analyzing the memory moments helps us understand the themes and the overarching message of the narrative, particularly how the main character's past knowledge and training are pivotal in his efforts to survive against the odds.
Gary Paulsen, the author of 'Hatchet', skillfully employs these memory moments to show the protagonist's personal growth and how he applies his prior knowledge to novel situations. By doing so, these memories reinforce the themes of self-reliance, adaptability, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.