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What is the weather like when the story begins? What do you think this foreshadows for the rest of the story?
Dark/cold/grey. A negative outcome.
Why does the man “shy like a horse” from certain parts of the road/trail?
Because of the thin ice and the danger of getting wet in such cold weather.
What happens to the man’s second fire, and why did it happen?
It was put out because snow fell from the tree above his fire - he should not have built his fire under a tree.
Where did this story take place?
The Yukon in Alaska.
Why do you think the main character is referred to as “the man” as opposed to being given a name?
The reader won't get attached as much to a nameless man.
Why does London point out that the dog acts from instinct?
To show that the dog has strong natural instincts and that he can take care of himself.
What difficulty occurs when the man finally lights all of his matches at once? HINT: He's holding them all in his hands.
The flesh of his hands starts to burn.
Describe the two characters in the story (the man and the dog).
The man is an overconfident and underprepared hiker with not many supplies. The dog is a husky who has natural instincts to help it survive.
London writes, “He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances.” What does this tell us about the man?
He is overconfident and pays no attention to detail.
What is alarming about the man’s reaction to the cold and to his frostbite?
He's ignoring the danger in it/seems unaware of how serious it is.
When the man contemplates “using” his dog for survival, how does London emphasize the qualities of naturalism?
The dog senses that something isn't right and knows to escape. The man lacks the dog's instincts.
What was the weather like in this particular setting?
It was 75 degrees below zero with many feet of snow.
How are the man and the dog similar? How are they different?
They are both in a desperate situation, but only the dog seems aware of how serious the situation is.
While eating, what startles the man? HINT: Think about the fact that he had to take his mittens off to eat...
His fingers are starting to freeze because of frostbite.
What is the flaw/problem in the man’s plan when he decides to run to camp?
He lacks endurance. He is unable to run for such long distances and in such conditions.
How many fires did the man successfully build? How many did he fail to build?
He built 2 and failed to build a 3rd.
Why do you think London continues to emphasize the coldness and how the man had never felt such cold before?
To emphasize how dangerous the weather is and how the man continues to ignore the signs of nature.
What did the man pack for lunch and keep in the chest pocket of his jacket?
He packed warm biscuits and bacon.
Why does the man start to scold and curse at the dog?
He is jealous of the dog's warmth and ability to survive these harsh conditions.
Describe the dog's reaction to the man's death at the end of the story.
The dog first mourned the loss of the man by staying with him until he realized he needed food and warmth. Then he headed to camp.