Setting
Where does the story take place?
The Yukon, in the far north. This is part of Canada.
"The man held steadily on. He was not much given to thinking" (para. 9)
The man does not realize how vulnerable he is to the cold and Nature's forces.
In Naturalism, do writers believe that we have control over our own lives?
No; we only have the illusion of control.
Why does the man begin a fire by throwing "several large pieces" of branches on top of the snow? (para. 18)
This provided a foundation for the first flame, so it wouldn't drown from melted snow.
What is an early sign of hypothermia?
a - shivering
b - sweating
c - confusion
d - frostbite
a - shivering
"But all this--the mysterious, far-reaching hairline trail, the absence of sun from the sky, the tremendous cold... made no impression on the man" (para. 3)
The man does not recognize how the deepening cold and isolation are clear signs of danger.
How does the man's behavior differ from the dog's at the beginning of the story?
The man does not take the cold seriously, while the dog instinctively knows the cold is dangerous.
In Naturalism, is a man more important than an animal?
No; naturalist writers believe that humans are simply animals. However, they often believe they are better, and this clouds their thinking.
"He should not have built the fire under the spruce tree. He should have built it in the open." (para. 23)
Snow from the tree branches falls onto the fire. The fire goes out.
Is frostbite the same as hypothermia?
No: frostbite happens in one place in the body, while hypothermia affects the entire system.
Why does the man send the dog ahead of him on the trail? What is he looking for?
He wants to check if the ice is safe, so he forces the dog to walk on it first.
"Well, here he was; he had had the accident; he was alone; and he had saved himself. Those old-timers were rather womanish" (para. 21)
The man believes he has control over his situation.
How does Naturalism show up within the SETTING of the story?
Nature is an overwhelming force, beyond the control of humans.
Why is it significant that, after his fire goes out, the man uses "many rotten twigs and bits of green moss that were undesirable" to build a new fire? (para. 25)
He is moving fast, and cannot fully feel his hands anymore. The materials are not very good to make a fire, and so it may not work.
What should be the first response to hypothermia?
"And then it happened... It was not deep." (para. 17)
The ice broke where the man stepped, wetting his lower legs.
Why does the man keep thinking of the old-timer?
The old-timer had given him advice that he discarded, thinking he would be fully capable alone.
How does Naturalism's interest in DARWIN show up within the CHARACTERS of the story?
The man and the dog are each struggling to survive, much in the way Darwin theorized as "survival of the fittest."
After his fire is smothered by the snow, why does the man struggle to light a new fire?
He cannot feel his fingers anymore. While he tries to use his teeth, it leads to new problems.
Why is it especially dangerous if someone falls asleep in a hypothermic state?
Their organs will start shutting down.
Why is it significant that the man falls asleep just as "the twilight drew on"? (para. 40)
As the light from the limited sun dissipates, the weather will only get colder from here on, and the man clearly will die.
The man tries to kill the dog, in order to warm himself by its body.
How does Naturalism show up in the ending of the story, when the dog directly trots to the camp?
The dog is indifferent to the man, and simply wishes for warmth and food from the other humans.
"A large piece of green moss fell squarely on the little fire." (para. 30)
How is this a crucial moment for the man?
It ultimately smothers the fire he lit in desperation, and he is unable to build another.
What must you NEVER IGNORE if your body is struggling to regulate temperature?