Jack London's "To Build a Fire"

The setting for this short story is:

• The Yukon Trail

• The Siberian Outback

• The Gunflint Trail

• Minnesota

Answer explanation

The Yukon Trail, officially known as the Chilkoot Trail, is a 33-mile long passage through the Coast Mountains from Bennett, British Columbia, in the north to Dyea, Alaska, to the south.

How many winters has this chechaquo, our main character, been traveling this trail?

• Third trip

• First time

• More than 2 decades

• The story doesn't tell us

Answer explanation

Chechaquo is a native term for "newcomer."

What does our main character carry with him on this trail?

• Only his lunch and matches.

• His sled filled with gold mining gear

• A book and some firewood

• Nothing

Who is traveling with the main character?

• A guide from Dawson

• His son

• No one

• A husky dog

What is the temperature during his trek?

• 30 below zero

• 0 Celsius

• 75 below zero

• not given

Answer explanation

"It was 75 below zero. Since the freezing point is thirty-two below zero, it meant that one hundred and seven degrees of frost obtained" (London 1049).

Which character falls through the ice first?

• The main character (the man)

• A frozen traveler they come upon in the ice

• The dog

• The bear

Answer explanation

He sent the dog ahead of him to check the ice and the dog falls through into the water but escapes.

What phrase is repeated several times over the course of the story?

• It was cold.

• He didn't care.

• He could turn back.

• He continued on.

How many times does the main character build a fire in this story (regardless of being successful or not)?

• Once

• Five times

• Three times

• Every 30 minutes

The main character was warned that he should travel with a partner.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

"The old timer on Sulfer Creek was right, he thought in the moment of controlled despair that ensued: after fifty below, a man should travel with a partner" (London 1055).

What does the man consider when the third fire fails?

• Building a snow cave.

• Cutting the dog open and crawling inside.

• Prays for a miracle.

• Send the dog ahead for help.