To Build A Fire Story: Comprehension Test! Trivia Quiz

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  • 1/26 Questions

    What is the theme in "To Build a Fire"?

    • Man Against Nature
    • Man Against Man
    • Man Against Animals
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About This Quiz

Explore your understanding of Jack London's 'To Build a Fire' with this trivia quiz. Assess key aspects like setting, narrative perspective, character analysis, and thematic elements. Ideal for enhancing literary analysis skills.

To Build A Fire Story: Comprehension Test! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    This is the man's dog. It is a big husky (looks kind of like a wolf).  

    • Dog

    • The boys

    • The man

    Correct Answer
    A. Dog
    Explanation
    The given sentence describes a big husky dog that belongs to a man. The sentence clearly states "This is the man's dog." Therefore, the correct answer is "Dog."

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  • 3. 

    An example of environmental foreshadowing was when it said, _____________________________________________.

    • "Fifty degrees below zero stood for a bite of frost that hurt and that must be guarded against.

    • Ear -flaps, warm moccasins, thick socks.

    • Line and dip immediately from view.

    Correct Answer
    A. "Fifty degrees below zero stood for a bite of frost that hurt and that must be guarded against.
    Explanation
    The given answer correctly identifies the example of environmental foreshadowing in the passage. It highlights the significance of the extreme cold temperature, emphasizing the need for protective clothing such as ear-flaps, warm moccasins, and thick socks. This foreshadows the harsh conditions and challenges that the characters may face in the story.

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  • 4. 

    What mistakes does the man make that threaten his life?

    • He doesn’t bring anyone.

    • He does bring someone.

    • He doesn’t bring a lot of people.

    Correct Answer
    A. He doesn’t bring anyone.
    Explanation
    The man's mistake of not bringing anyone threatens his life because he is alone and vulnerable in a dangerous situation. Without anyone to help or support him, he is at a higher risk of encountering difficulties or being unable to handle emergencies effectively. Bringing someone along would provide him with an extra set of eyes and hands, increasing his chances of survival and reducing the potential dangers he may face.

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  • 5. 

    The author is trying to get the point across that _______________ is unforgiving and unless you follow the rules, you will die.  

    • Nature

    • Man

    • Dogs

    Correct Answer
    A. Nature
    Explanation
    The author is trying to convey that nature is unforgiving and if one does not adhere to its rules, they will face dire consequences, possibly leading to death. Nature operates on its own laws and does not show mercy or leniency towards those who do not respect its power. It is important to understand and follow the rules of nature in order to survive and thrive in its harsh and unpredictable conditions.

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  • 6. 

    This guy is not in the story, but the man mentions him a few times. The Old Timer gave the man all kinds of warning about traveling alone in the cold but the man never listened. 

    • The boys

    • Old Timer from Sulphur Creek

    • The man

    Correct Answer
    A. Old Timer from Sulphur Creek
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Old Timer from Sulphur Creek" because although he is not a character in the story, the man mentions him multiple times. The Old Timer warns the man about the dangers of traveling alone in the cold, but the man disregards his advice.

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  • 7. 

    What happens at the end of the story?

    • The dog freezes to death and the man runs the rest of the way to the boys camp.

    • The man freezes to death and the dog beat him up.

    • The man freezes to death and the dog runs the rest of the way to the boys camp.

    Correct Answer
    A. The man freezes to death and the dog runs the rest of the way to the boys camp.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the man freezes to death and the dog runs the rest of the way to the boys camp. This is evident from the given options where it is mentioned that the dog freezes to death and the man runs to the boys camp, and the man freezes to death and the dog beats him up. Both of these options contradict the information provided in the question. Therefore, the only logical option left is that the man freezes to death and the dog takes over the responsibility of reaching the boys camp.

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  • 8. 

    A major point of foreshadowing was what the old timer told the man. The old timer told the man that ______________________________________________________________________________________. 

    • No man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below." If the man would have listened, he could have survived. Because he didn't listen; he lost his life.

    • Every man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below." If the man would have listened, he could have survived. Because he didn't listen; he lost his life.

    • Some man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below." If the man would have listened, he could have survived. Because he didn't listen; he lost his life.

    Correct Answer
    A. No man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below." If the man would have listened, he could have survived. Because he didn't listen; he lost his life.
    Explanation
    The old timer's statement serves as a major point of foreshadowing because it warns the man about the dangers of traveling alone in the Klondike after the temperature drops to fifty below. The statement suggests that it is crucial for no man to undertake such a journey alone, indicating the extreme conditions and potential risks involved. Had the man heeded this advice, he could have increased his chances of survival. However, by disregarding the warning and traveling alone, he ultimately met a tragic fate.

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  • 9. 

    This is the main character. He is traveling alone with his dog to meet up with his friends who are at camp. He thinks he is smarter and tougher than nature but he finds out the hard way he isn't. 

    • Camper

    • The boys

    • The man

    Correct Answer
    A. The man
    Explanation
    The given information states that the main character is traveling alone with his dog to meet up with his friends at camp. It also mentions that he believes he is smarter and tougher than nature but learns the hard way that he isn't. Based on this information, it can be inferred that the correct answer is "The man" as it refers to the main character who is traveling alone and facing the challenges of nature.

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  • 10. 

    The ______________ has instinct and although it does not understand things like the man does, it is better equipped to survive. 

    • Wolf

    • Cat

    • Dog

    Correct Answer
    A. Dog
    Explanation
    Dogs have instinctual behaviors that allow them to survive in various environments. While they may not possess the same level of understanding as humans, their instincts help them navigate their surroundings and adapt to different situations. This natural instinct, combined with their ability to form strong bonds with humans, makes dogs better equipped to survive compared to other animals like wolves or cats.

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  • 11. 

    The author's major theme here is _______________. You need _____________ to survive in the wilderness. 

    • instinct

    • Warmth

    • scattered

    Correct Answer
    A. instinct
    Explanation
    The author's major theme here is the importance of instinct. In order to survive in the wilderness, one needs to rely on their natural instincts. Instincts are innate behaviors that help individuals navigate and adapt to their environment. They serve as a guide in making quick decisions and reacting to potential dangers or opportunities. Without relying on instinct, one may struggle to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the wilderness.

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  • 12. 

    Who is the antagonist in the short story to build a fire? 

    • the snow is definitely the enemy

    • the campers is definitely the enemy

    • the weather is definitely the enemy

    Correct Answer
    A. the weather is definitely the enemy
    Explanation
    In the short story "To Build a Fire," the weather is portrayed as the antagonist. Throughout the story, the harsh and extreme cold weather is depicted as a relentless force that poses a constant threat to the protagonist's survival. The freezing temperature, icy terrain, and snowfall create a hostile environment that becomes the main obstacle for the protagonist. The weather's unforgiving nature and its ability to extinguish fires and freeze the protagonist's body are presented as the primary source of conflict and the ultimate enemy in the story.

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  • 13. 

    The _________________ of the story dies due to a lack of intuition or imagination, unable to conceive of the possibility of his own death, others assert that he dies as a result of panic and the failure of his rational faculties. 

    • Narrator

    • Antagonist

    • Protagonist

    Correct Answer
    A. Protagonist
    Explanation
    The protagonist of the story dies due to a lack of intuition or imagination, unable to conceive of the possibility of his own death, others assert that he dies as a result of panic and the failure of his rational faculties.

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  • 14. 

    What point of view is the story written in? 

    • The third point of view/ omission you can get in the mind of the man.

    • First point of view/ omission you can get in the mind of the man.

    • Second point of view/ omission you can get in the mind of the man.

    Correct Answer
    A. The third point of view/ omission you can get in the mind of the man.
    Explanation
    The story is written in the third person point of view. This means that the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to the characters as "he" or "she" rather than "I". The third person point of view allows the reader to see into the mind of the man and understand his thoughts and feelings.

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  • 15. 

    When the narrator says that the man lacks “imagination”, what does this mean? 

    • He sometimes thinks about consequences; he only thinks about facts.

    • He never thinks about consequences; he only thinks about facts.

    • He always thinks about consequences; he only thinks about facts.

    Correct Answer
    A. He never thinks about consequences; he only thinks about facts.
    Explanation
    The narrator's statement that the man lacks "imagination" means that he never thinks about consequences; he only focuses on facts. This suggests that the man is unable to envision or consider the potential outcomes or implications of his actions or decisions. Instead, he only relies on concrete information and does not engage in imaginative or speculative thinking.

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  • 16. 

    In the story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, foreshadowing is often used. In this story foreshadowing is an effective way to build up a climax. The foreshadowing is both shown by the ____________________________.  

    • The wolves and the campers

    • Dog and the sled

    • The environment and things the characters say.

    Correct Answer
    A. The environment and things the characters say.
    Explanation
    In the story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, foreshadowing is used to hint at future events and create suspense. The environment, such as the extreme cold and harsh conditions, foreshadows the dangers that the protagonist will face. Additionally, the things the characters say, such as warnings or comments about the weather, also serve as foreshadowing for the challenges to come. By using these elements, the author effectively builds up tension and anticipation, leading to the climax of the story.

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  • 17. 

    What is the plot of "To Build a Fire"?

    • Our wolves begins a trek, with his dog, across the frozen tundra even though the locals told him not to.

    • Our antagonist begins a trek, with his dog, across the frozen tundra even though the locals told him not to.

    • Our protagonist begins a trek, with his dog, across the frozen tundra even though the locals told him not to.

    Correct Answer
    A. Our protagonist begins a trek, with his dog, across the frozen tundra even though the locals told him not to.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the protagonist begins a trek, with his dog, across the frozen tundra even though the locals told him not to.

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  • 18. 

    The main man or the only man for that matter seems to be a hard-working man but is lacking in imagination.  

    • imagination

    • Brains

    • Strength

    Correct Answer
    A. imagination
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "imagination" because the given statement suggests that the main man, who is also the only man, is hard-working but lacks imagination. This implies that he may be diligent and dedicated to his work, but he struggles to think creatively or come up with innovative ideas.

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  • 19. 

    What is the function of the dog in the story?

    • To show that animals can survive better than humans – it is their unnatural habitat; to also show that the man is not using his instincts like the dog – refer to notes.

    • To show that animals can not survive better than humans – it is their natural habitat; to also show that the man is not using his instincts like the dog – refer to notes.

    • To show that animals can survive better than humans – it is their natural habitat; to also show that the man is not using his instincts like the dog – refer to notes.

    Correct Answer
    A. To show that animals can survive better than humans – it is their natural habitat; to also show that the man is not using his instincts like the dog – refer to notes.
    Explanation
    The function of the dog in the story is to demonstrate that animals can survive better than humans in their natural habitat and to highlight the fact that the man is not utilizing his instincts like the dog. This is supported by the notes provided.

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  • 20. 

    "Another example  of  environmental foreshadowing  was when the man's "fire was blotted out." These examples show that ___________________________________.

    • The cold maybe be the man's doom

    • The cold will not be the man's doom

    • The cold will be the man's doom

    Correct Answer
    A. The cold will be the man's doom
    Explanation
    The examples of the man's fire being blotted out and the environmental foreshadowing suggest that the cold will be the man's doom. This implies that the extreme cold weather conditions will ultimately lead to the man's downfall or death.

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  • 21. 

    In this story, foreshadowing can be direct statements or simple statements of fact.

    • Indirect statements or simple statements of fact

    • Direct statements or simple statements of fact.

    • Direct statements orcomplex statements of fact

    Correct Answer
    A. Direct statements or simple statements of fact.
    Explanation
    Foreshadowing is a literary technique used to hint or suggest future events in a story. It helps create suspense and anticipation for the reader. In this context, the correct answer is "direct statements or simple statements of fact." This means that foreshadowing can be done through straightforward statements or through presenting information in a straightforward manner. These statements or facts may not explicitly reveal the future events, but they provide clues or hints that suggest what may happen later in the story.

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  • 22. 

    What is the setting of the story? 

    • The Yukon Territory of Alaska.

    • The Yukon Territory of Canada.

    • The Yukon Territory of Maine.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Yukon Territory of Canada.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Yukon Territory of Canada. The question asks about the setting of the story, and the answer states that it is set in the Yukon Territory of Canada. This means that the events of the story take place in that specific location.

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  • 23. 

    The story starts out with the man walking through the Yukon wilderness alone. It's really, really, cold…like 75 degrees below 0. It's so cold, that when he spits, it freezes in the air. This is the first winter the man has been up in the Yukon so he doesn't really have an appreciation for how cold and dangerous it is. You find out he plans to meet up with "the boys" at an old claim (where they dig for gold). He figures he will be at camp that night.  

    • Characters

    • Plot

    • Setting

    Correct Answer
    A. Plot
    Explanation
    The given correct answer for this question is "Plot". The explanation for this answer is that the passage describes the sequence of events in the story, starting with the man walking through the Yukon wilderness alone, the extreme cold weather, his lack of understanding of the danger, and his plan to meet up with "the boys" at an old claim. This shows the development of the story's plot and sets up the events that will unfold.

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  • 24. 

    The man can represent Mankind's arrogance about how man is _______________________.  

    • Superior to nature.

    • Not superior to nature.

    • Is like the dog.

    Correct Answer
    A. Superior to nature.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "superior to nature." This answer suggests that the man represents mankind's arrogance in believing that humans are superior to nature. It implies that man sees himself as above and in control of nature, possibly leading to harmful actions and attitudes towards the natural world.

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  • 25. 

    What is the climax and resolution of "To Build A Fire"?

    • The climax of "To Build a Fire" occurs when the man is trying to build a home to warm his feet by the fire and the snow from a bough of the tree collapses onto the fire.

    • The climax of "To Build a Fire" occurs when the man is trying to go home to warm his feet by the fire and the snow from a bough of the tree collapses onto the fire.

    • The climax of "To Build a Fire" occurs when the man is trying to remove his moccasins to warm his feet by the fire and the snow from a bough of the tree collapses onto the fire.

    Correct Answer
    A. The climax of "To Build a Fire" occurs when the man is trying to remove his moccasins to warm his feet by the fire and the snow from a bough of the tree collapses onto the fire.
    Explanation
    The climax of "To Build a Fire" occurs when the man is trying to remove his moccasins to warm his feet by the fire and the snow from a bough of the tree collapses onto the fire. This event marks the turning point in the story and represents the highest point of tension and conflict. It is at this moment that the man realizes the severity of his situation and the danger he is in. The collapse of the snow onto the fire symbolizes the man's failure to overcome the harshness of nature and his impending demise.

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  • 26. 

    What is the irony in To Build a Fire by Jack London?

    • The man is viewed as the foil to the dog, as the animal displays the instinct and wisdom that the man lacks.

    • He dog is viewed as the foil to the young man, as the animal displays the instinct and wisdom that the man lacks.

    • Old Timer from Sulphur Creekis viewed as the foil to the young man, as the animal displays the instinct and wisdom that the man lacks.

    Correct Answer
    A. He dog is viewed as the foil to the young man, as the animal displays the instinct and wisdom that the man lacks.
    Explanation
    The irony in "To Build a Fire" by Jack London is that the dog, an animal, is portrayed as having more instinct and wisdom than the young man. This is ironic because one would typically expect a human to possess more intelligence and survival skills than a dog. However, in this story, the dog's instincts and ability to sense danger prove to be more reliable than the man's rational thinking and decision-making. This highlights the theme of the harshness of nature and the vulnerability of humans in the face of it.

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  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 18, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Elliott_willingh
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