To Build a Fire Quizizz

Read this passage from "To Build a Fire."

It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an intangible pall over the face of things, a subtle gloom that made the day dark, and that was due to the absence of sun. . . . A few more days must pass before that cheerful orb, due south, would just peep above the sky line and dip immediately from view.

How does this setting contribute to the development of the story's theme?

• It reveals that humans can control the elements to their liking.

• It suggests that humans are ingenious and always find ways to come out on top.

• It shows that people are sometimes blind to the dangers lurking in nature.

• It implies that nature is friendly and provides everything people could need.

Which textual evidence from "To Build a Fire" best supports the inference that the man does not respect the power of nature?

• "Then he took some matches and proceeded to make a fire."

• "Perhaps the old man on Sulphur Creek was right."

• "Any man who was a man could travel alone."

• He would kill the dog and bury his hands in the warm body."

Read this passage from "To Build a Fire."

He was surprised, however, at the cold. It certainly was cold, he concluded, as he rubbed his numb nose and cheekbones with his mittened hand. . . . The hair on his face did not protect the high cheekbones and the eager nose that thrust itself aggressively into the frosty air. 

What does this passage reveal about the man's awareness of his instinct?

• He is completely unaware of his instinct and does not use it to survive.

• He ignores his instinct and does the opposite to try to survive.

• He is dimly aware of his instinct, but he is unable to use it for survival.

• He is keenly aware of his instinct and relies on it to help him survive.

How does the fact that the man lights all 70 matches at once reveal his character traits and contribute to the story's conflict?

• The behavior shows that the man takes the old-timer's advice seriously, and he understands that he must follow the old-timer's instructions if he wants to stay alive.

• The behavior shows that the man is capable of making good decisions, and it increases the tragedy when he makes the final, fatal decision that costs him his life.

• The behavior shows that the man trusts his instincts about nature, and it leads directly to him being able to stay warm for at least a few hours.

• The behavior highlights the man's incompetence and inability to think strategically, and it leads directly to him being at the mercy of the brutal natural environment.

Read this passage from "To Build a Fire."

With this newfound peace of mind came the first glimmerings of drowsiness. A good idea, he thought, to sleep off to death. It was like taking an anesthetic. Freezing was not so bad as people thought. There were lots worse ways to die.

 

What is the best meaning of the word anesthetic?

• something that produces a loss of sensation

• something that restores energy and strength

• something that tastes both sweet and sour

• something that causes immediate death 

Read this passage from "To Build a Fire."

All a man had to do was to keep his head, and he was all right.

What is the figurative meaning of the phrase "keep his head"?

• remain calm

• stay warm

• take advice

• find shelter