1.
What is the current name of the state in which the story takes place?
Correct Answer
C. The Yukon
Explanation
"To Build a Fire," a story by Jack London, is set in the Yukon Territory, a region in northwest Canada. The story describes the harsh, cold wilderness of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, where the protagonist struggles to survive against extreme weather conditions. The setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, highlighting the brutal cold and the character's vulnerability in such an unforgiving environment. While Alaska is a neighboring region with similar conditions, "To Build a Fire" specifically takes place in the Yukon.
2.
What is the name of 'the man'?
Correct Answer
A. We never find out
Explanation
In Jack London's story "To Build a Fire," the main character is referred to simply as "the man." His name is never explicitly mentioned throughout the story. This anonymity emphasizes the universality of his struggle against nature and the harsh environment of the Yukon. By not providing a specific name, London creates a sense of detachment, underscoring the indifferent and unforgiving nature of the wilderness. This narrative choice also aligns with the Naturalist style, where characters often represent broader themes or human experiences in the face of nature's challenges.
3.
What is a "newcomer in the land" called?
Correct Answer
A. Chechaquo
Explanation
In Jack London's "To Build a Fire," a "newcomer in the land" is referred to as a "chechaquo." This term is commonly used in the context of the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon to describe someone who is new to the harsh and challenging environment of the North. It implies that the person lacks the experience and knowledge needed to navigate the extreme conditions, often leading to a sense of vulnerability and inexperience. This term is used in the story to underscore the protagonist's unfamiliarity with the harsh realities of the Yukon wilderness, which ultimately leads to his tragic fate.
4.
The old-timer tells the man is it dangerous to travel alone at what temperature?
Correct Answer
D. Fifty degrees Fahrenheit below zero
Explanation
The correct answer is "Fifty degrees Fahrenheit below zero". This is because the old-timer is warning the man about the danger of traveling alone at a certain temperature. The temperature mentioned, which is fifty degrees Fahrenheit below zero, indicates extreme cold weather conditions that pose a significant risk to anyone traveling alone.
5.
What kind of dog does the man have that travels with him?
Correct Answer
B. A husky
Explanation
The correct answer is A husky. This is because a husky is a type of dog that is known for its ability to travel long distances and pull sleds. Huskies are often used in dog sledding and are known for their endurance and strength. They have a thick double coat that helps them to stay warm in cold weather, making them well-suited for traveling in snowy and icy conditions. Therefore, it is likely that the man has a husky as his traveling companion.
6.
Where does the man go to meet "the boys"?
Correct Answer
D. Henderson Creek
Explanation
The correct answer is Henderson Creek. This can be inferred from the context of the question where the man is looking to meet "the boys". Since Henderson Creek is one of the options provided and it is mentioned in the question, it is reasonable to assume that this is the correct location where the man goes to meet "the boys".
7.
According to London, what is the man not "quick and alert" in?
Correct Answer
D. The significances of life
Explanation
London suggests that the man is not "quick and alert" in understanding the significances of life. This implies that the man lacks the ability to grasp the deeper meanings and importance of life's experiences and events. He may be oblivious to the lessons and insights that can be gained from these significant aspects of life.
8.
The man first worries about which body parts becoming frostbitten?
Correct Answer
D. Nose and cheekbones
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," the first parts of the man's body that he worries about becoming frostbitten are his nose and cheekbones. As he walks through the extreme cold of the Yukon wilderness, the intense temperatures cause these exposed areas to start feeling the effects of frostbite. This concern reflects the harsh reality of traveling in such a cold environment, where even a brief exposure can lead to severe injury. The man's awareness of the risk to his nose and cheekbones underscores the story's focus on the dangers of extreme cold and the necessity of proper preparation when venturing into such environments. Despite these initial warnings, the man continues his journey, leading to escalating challenges and ultimately his tragic end.
9.
Why is the color of the man's beard amber?
Correct Answer
C. Because his tobacco has run into it
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, the man's beard turns amber because it is stained by the tobacco juice he has been spitting while traveling in the extreme cold. This detail reflects the harshness of the environment and the man's desperate attempt to keep warm. It serves as a subtle yet powerful symbol of the relentless struggle against nature, highlighting how even the smallest actions and details can have significant consequences in the unforgiving wilderness.
10.
What does the man wish he had brought for his cheeks?
Correct Answer
C. A nose strap
Explanation
The man wishes he had brought a nose strap for his cheeks. This suggests that the man's cheeks are being affected by something, possibly the cold weather or wind. A nose strap can help protect the cheeks by providing additional coverage and warmth.
11.
As he walks along the trail, what is the man fearful of?
Correct Answer
B. Hidden springs
Explanation
The man is fearful of hidden springs as he walks along the trail. This suggests that there may be areas of the trail where the ground is soft and could potentially give way, causing the man to fall into the hidden springs. This fear indicates that the man is cautious and aware of the potential dangers in his surroundings, which could be important for his safety while walking along the trail.
12.
When the dog wets its feet and legs, what does it do?
Correct Answer
B. It bites at the ice between its toes
Explanation
When a dog wets its feet and legs, it may encounter ice between its toes. To remove the ice, the dog will bite at it. This behavior helps the dog to free its feet from the ice and prevent any discomfort or potential injury that may be caused by walking with ice between its toes.
13.
To warm his hands, what does the man frequently do?
Correct Answer
D. He beats them against his legs
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," the man frequently beats his hands against his legs to warm them. This method is a common way to stimulate circulation and bring some warmth to cold or numb hands, especially in extreme cold. The man uses this technique because it requires no additional resources and can be done while he's on the move. Despite his attempts to warm his hands, the extreme temperatures in the Yukon wilderness make it increasingly difficult for him to maintain adequate warmth. This detail in the story emphasizes the severity of the cold and the limited effectiveness of such measures, contributing to the overarching theme of human vulnerability in the face of nature's relentless forces.
14.
Where is the old-timer from?
Correct Answer
A. Sulphur Creek
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," the old-timer who advises the protagonist is from Sulphur Creek. This character's role in the story is to represent experience and caution in contrast to the overconfidence of the man. The old-timer's warnings about the dangers of traveling alone in extremely cold temperatures reflect his knowledge of the harsh Yukon environment. Sulphur Creek is mentioned as the place where the old-timer gave the man advice about the risks of the wilderness, emphasizing the experience that the protagonist disregards. The man's decision to ignore the old-timer's cautionary advice leads to his tragic outcome, underscoring the story's theme of human vulnerability and the consequences of underestimating nature.
15.
How does the dog know about the danger of the cold, according to London?
Correct Answer
A. It has inherited knowledge of the cold.
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," Jack London portrays the dog as having an instinctive understanding of the dangers of extreme cold. According to London, this knowledge is inherited, reflecting the animal's natural instincts for survival in the harsh Yukon environment. Throughout the story, the dog's behavior contrasts with the man's decisions. While the man relies on his human reasoning, the dog is guided by its inherited instincts. This inherited knowledge alerts the dog to the risks of freezing temperatures, leading it to seek warmth and avoid the hazardous conditions that ultimately cause the man's downfall. London's depiction of the dog's instinctive knowledge serves to highlight the theme of nature's power and the limitations of human understanding in the face of it.
16.
In describing both accidents, what two words does London use?
Correct Answer
C. It happened.
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," Jack London uses the phrase "It happened" when describing the accidents that befall the man during his journey through the Yukon wilderness. These accidents, including the falling snow that extinguishes the man's fire and the misstep that leads to his getting wet, are critical turning points in the story. The use of "It happened" emphasizes the sudden, unexpected nature of these events, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous environment in which the man finds himself. London's phrasing underscores the theme of nature's indifference and the randomness of accidents in a harsh environment. By describing these events with "It happened," London conveys how the man's fate is influenced by seemingly random occurrences, which ultimately lead to his tragic end.
17.
Where does the man get wet up to?
Correct Answer
B. His knees
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," the man gets wet up to his knees after accidentally stepping into a hidden spring beneath the snow. This incident occurs as he is walking along a trail in the Yukon wilderness, where hidden water sources can be concealed by snow, posing a significant risk in freezing temperatures. Getting wet in such extreme cold is particularly dangerous, as it leads to rapid heat loss and can result in frostbite or hypothermia. The man’s misstep and the subsequent wetting of his legs up to his knees play a critical role in the story, triggering his desperate attempts to build a fire to warm himself. This moment represents a turning point in the man's struggle against the harsh environment, leading to further complications and ultimately contributing to his tragic fate.
18.
After wetting himself, what is the man initially angry about?
Correct Answer
D. It will delay him.
Explanation
After wetting himself up to his knees in "To Build a Fire," the man is initially angry because he realizes that this incident will delay him. The unexpected soaking of his clothes and shoes in extreme cold conditions creates a significant setback, as it requires him to take time to dry off and re-establish warmth. This delay disrupts his planned schedule and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to the frigid temperatures. The man's anger reflects his frustration at the inconvenience and his concern about the impact on his journey. His reaction also illustrates his lack of preparedness for the harsh realities of the Yukon and his underestimation of the dangers inherent in traveling in such extreme conditions. This anger soon turns to anxiety as he realizes the potentially life-threatening consequences of his delay.
19.
The second accident is described exactly how by London?
Correct Answer
B. As a "mistake"
Explanation
London describes the second accident as a "mistake." This suggests that the accident was unintentional and could have been avoided if the person involved had made a different decision or taken a different action. It implies that the individual responsible for the accident did not purposely cause it, but rather made an error in judgment or action that led to the incident.
20.
The man lights how many matches at once?
Correct Answer
B. Seventy
Explanation
In "To Build a Fire," the man eventually lights seventy matches at once in a desperate attempt to start a fire after getting wet in the freezing Yukon wilderness. His previous attempts to build a fire fail, and he becomes increasingly frantic as he struggles against the severe cold. The lighting of seventy matches simultaneously demonstrates the man's escalating desperation and the critical urgency of his situation. This drastic action reflects his struggle against the harsh environment and the intense difficulty of survival in such extreme conditions. Despite this effort, the outcome underscores the story's themes of human vulnerability and the relentless power of nature, as even this large number of matches does not provide the warmth needed to save him from the cold.