Wild animals
Frequently, there is imagery of wild, dangerous animals. As the girl progresses along her journey, such imagery becomes more prevalent, ratcheting up the novel's tension and showing her resourcefulness. It also shows how the deeper the girl ventures into the wild, the more danger she will face.
Disease
Towards the start of the novel, there is quite a bit of imagery surrounding diseases and the associated death it brings. Such disease affects the main character's colony (likely the historic Jamestown) and inspires her to seek out safety away from everything she knows and loves. The disease affecting her colony is described in great detail and is given almost life-like qualities, further reinforcing the disease's destructive nature.
Demaning names
The main character of the novel, who is never given a proper name, is frequently called "wench" and "girl" and other nasty names. That kind of demeaning language removes the autonomy and personhood of the girl; it also creates a visceral reaction in readers and paints a vivid picture of what life was like during the time for women.
Hatchet
As the girl ventures deeper into the depths of the wilderness, imagery surrounding her hatchet and other tools becomes more prevalent. She uses those tools to survive the difficult, oftentimes dangerous conditions she finds herself in; they are essential to her survival. As the imagery increases in frequency, her life becomes more treacherous.
