What were the ways that Brian uses his hatchet?

The hatchet is the object that gives the novel its title, so it is the most important symbol in the text. For Brian, the hatchet symbolizes many things. It symbolizes hope, because he can use it to keep himself alive until he is rescued. Since it came from his mother, it is representative of the family he has left behind. The hatchet is also the only constant in his entire adventure: as things in the forest keep changing quickly, the hatchet is the one thing he has by his side the whole time. THe hatchet is a tool that cuts wood, makes fire, create spears and arrows he used to hunt for food.