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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The “dark hair-line” of trail visible in Part I is said to be the main trail that leads south how many miles to the Chilcoot Pass?

2. At 12:00 p.m., the sun is at its brightest but it is too far in what direction to clear the horizon?

3. The protagonist had been out in how many cold snaps before, according to the narrator in Part II?

4. The only supply the protagonist is carrying with him on his journey is what?

5. In literature, what are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes the protagonist to experience fear when he stops to eat lunch in Part III?

2. What role does the old-timer play in the narrative?

3. What is the point of view of the narrative in To Build a Fire?

4. What advice did the old-timer give to the protagonist?

5. How does the narrator describe the protagonist’s experience of the cold in Part III?

6. What danger does the protagonist encounter at Henderson Creek in Part II?

7. How is the protagonist described by the narrator in Part I?

8. What does the dog do after falling through the ice in Part II? How does the protagonist help?

9. How does the protagonist act in the face of the obstacles at Henderson Creek?

10. How is the relationship between the protagonist and the dog significant to the plot of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the motifs of fire and ice in the story. How do these motifs relate to the story’s themes? What does fire represent to the protagonist? What does ice represent in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the literary element of repetition in the narrative. What are examples of repetition in Parts I and II of To Build A Fire? Why does the author use repetition? How does London’s use of repetition help to develop the tone of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the actions of the dog at the end of the story. What is the dog’s reaction to the protagonist’s death? Where does the dog go? Why? What is symbolized in this ending?

(see the answer keys)

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