Final answer:
Brian's statement about the loss of the hatchet symbolizes a severe emotional and practical defeat, indicating he has lost his main survival tool and source of hope.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Brian says that the loss of the hatchet means that he has nothing, he is expressing a deep sense of helplessness and defeat. The hatchet likely represents his ability to survive and his sense of autonomy. Without it, he feels he has lost his most crucial tool for survival, which is also a symbol of hope and self-reliance. The emotional weight tied to the hatchet makes its loss equivalent to losing everything he has to continue fighting for his life in his challenging circumstances.