“I will not let you go out, he said to himself, to the flames—not ever. And so he sat through a long part of the day, keeping the flames even, eating from his stock of raspberries, leaving to drink from the lake when he was thirsty. In the afternoon, toward the evening, with his face smeared and his skin red from the heat, he finally began to think ahead to what he needed to do.” Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

How does this excerpt contribute to the theme of the novel?

A. Brian’s knowledge of what he can eat and drink shows that knowledge is the key to survival in the wild.
A. Brian’s knowledge of what he can eat and drink shows that knowledge is the key to survival in the wild.

B. Brian’s organization in planning ahead shows that it is important to remain hopeful in desperate situations.
B. Brian’s organization in planning ahead shows that it is important to remain hopeful in desperate situations.

C. Brian's dedication to the fire shows that learning to persevere and not give up is necessary in overcoming a challenge.
C. Brian's dedication to the fire shows that learning to persevere and not give up is necessary in overcoming a challenge.

D. Brian’s fear of losing the fire shows that being nervous in a desperate situation makes a person aware of his surroundings.