"To Build a Fire"

Front

What is the main theme of 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

The struggle of man against nature and the consequences of underestimating the natural world.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Who is the protagonist in 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

The man.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What character flaw leads to the man's tragic end in 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

Overconfidence.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What external conflict is present in 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

The conflict between human beings and nature.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What advice does the old-timer give the man in 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

To not travel alone in extreme cold.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Front

How does the man's attitude toward the old-timer's advice change throughout the story?

Back

He initially ridicules it but later realizes its importance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What happens when the bough full of snow falls on the man?

Back

He realizes that he is likely to die.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What role does the dog play in 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

The dog represents instinct and survival, contrasting with the man's overconfidence.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

What is the setting of 'To Build a Fire'?

Back

The Yukon wilderness during extreme cold.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

How does the man attempt to build a fire?

Back

He uses matches and tries to find dry wood.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1