-
Exposition: setting
Tom Vincent leaves the Calumet Camp for the divide between Paul Creek and Cherry Creek. The temperature is -60 degrees, and Vincent has to travel 30 miles to get to his destination. -
Exposition: characaterization
Tom Vincent is a strong and large young man, with great determination. -
Rising Action
Vincent beings to travel up Paul Creek. -
Rising Action
Vincent tries to eat some food, but the cold air numbed his fingers. The strength of this winter surprised him, but he continues on. -
Climax
Vincent walks unsuspectedly onto a frozen pond, in which the top layer of ice cannot support his weight. He falls through, wetting his socks and shoes. -
Falling Action
Vincent realizes that because his socks are wet, it is necessary for him to build a fire. Also, he must hurry and try to build the fire on the first try. -
Falling Action
Vincent is forced to remove his mittens to build the fire. He builds a fire, but snow falls from a tree and extinguishes the flames. -
Falling Action
Vincent starts to realize the danger he is in. He tries to rebuild the fire, even with numb fingers. He begins the flame, but his hands shake and he cannot add the branches. -
Falling Action
Vincent begins to feel desperate, and he looks around for help, but sees none. While looking, he spots more branches to make a fire with, and he lights them. However, the flame burns his hands, and he drops it, sizzling in the snow. -
Falling Action
Vincent begins to lose hope, but then he has the idea of burning his hands to warm them up. He realizes that burning his hands is better than dying. He lights the branches one last time, and holds the flame between his palms, enduring the scorching pain. After some time, he regains feeling in his hands. Now he is able to function. -
Resolution
Vincent finally makes it to the Cherry Creek Divide. His battle wounds are sensitive toes and scarred hands. Now, he firmly believes in never traveling alone.
