Nonmaleficence, noninterference, and fidelity: environmental ethics in Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet (1986)

In the Anthropocene era, where human activities profoundly alter ecosystems, ethical reflections on human–nature relationships have become increasingly vital. Paul W. Taylor’s environmental ethics—particularly the principles of nonmaleficence, noninterference, and fidelity—provide a valuable framework for examining these relationships. Literature, especially young adult (YA) fiction, serves as a significant medium for shaping moral and ecological awareness among young readers. Despite its accessibility, YA nature writing has often been overlooked in ecocritical scholarship. This study explores the ethical dimensions of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet (1986), a canonical YA wilderness survival novel that portrays the protagonist Brian Robeson’s encounters with animals, plants, and other nonhuman entities in the forests of northern Canada. Through the lens of Taylor’s Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics (1986), this study analyses how Brian’s experiences reflect the recognition of animal agency, human vulnerability, and adherence to ethical principles governing human–nonhuman interactions. The findings suggest that Paulsen’s narrative embodies a deep ecological sensibility that aligns with Taylor’s nonanthropocentric ethics. This research enriches the understanding of Hatchet (1986) and contributes to broader ecocritical discussions on environmental ethics in young adult literature.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was not required as the study did not involve human participants.

Informed consent

This study is a literary analysis and did not involve human research participants.