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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To Build a Fireis considered to be a reflection of Jack London’s own experiences where?
(a) Northern Alaska
(b) Norway
(c) Nova Scotia
(d) The Northwestern Yukon Territory

2. How does the protagonist become aware that his hand is on fire in Part V?
(a) The sight
(b) The sound
(c) The smell
(d) The feeling

3. When the protagonist’s second fire fails, he decides to attempt to do what with the dog?
(a) Kill it
(b) Follow it
(c) Send it for help
(d) Feed it

4. What does the protagonist drop in the snow as he attempts to build his second fire in Part V?
(a) The matches
(b) His watch
(c) The birch bark
(d) His knife

5. Part V of the story marks what point in the plot structure?
(a) Climax
(b) Denouement
(c) Falling action
(d) Exposition

6. What is portrayed as the antagonist in To Build a Fire?
(a) Nature
(b) Fire
(c) The dog
(d) The old-timer

7. Which word from Part V means skillful or artful management?
(a) Peremptorily
(b) Flounder
(c) Conflagration
(d) Manipulation

8. What does the protagonist do once the fire is a success and he remembers the advice of the old-timer in Part IV?
(a) He laughs
(b) He smiles
(c) He cries
(d) He scowls

9. The story, although not directly stated, is suggested to take place during what time period?
(a) 1940s
(b) 1890s
(c) 1920s
(d) 1850s

10. Which word from Part V means adequate for the purpose?
(a) Apathetic
(b) Sufficient
(c) Wistful
(d) Success

11. What does the fire symbolize to the protagonist in Part V?
(a) God
(b) Triumph
(c) Comfort
(d) Life

12. The man is described as speaking in what way to the dog in Part V, meaning leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal?
(a) Angrily
(b) Pleadingly
(c) Peremptorily
(d) Lovingly

13. How many matches go up in flame at once in Part V?
(a) 124
(b) 70
(c) 12
(d) 45

14. How is death described in the protagonist’s thoughts and fears in Part V?
(a) Painful and final
(b) Sharp and fateful
(c) Powerful and liberating
(d) Dull and oppressive

15. The protagonist thinks to himself, “those old-timers were rather” what, in Part IV?
(a) Superstitious
(b) Brave
(c) Cautious
(d) Womanish

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the shoes called that the protagonist wears in the narrative?

2. In order to build a fire, the protagonist must do what in Part IV?

3. Who had told the protagonist about the dangers of being wet in such cold temperatures?

4. When the protagonist falls a second time and the dog sits in front of him, how does the protagonist feel about the “warmth and security of the animal” in Part VI?

5. Mercury was the son of what god in Roman mythology?

(see the answer keys)

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