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Exposition: Setting
The story takes place in the Klondike region which is the area along the Alaska/Canada border. It occurs around the time of 1897 during the winter. -
Period: to
"To Build a Fire"
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Exposition: Characterization
The main character is not directly named.He is strong willed and determined, stubborn, slightly pompous in his feelings of dominion over the environment. He “was a strapping young fellow, big-boned and big-muscled, with faith in himself and in the strength of his head and hands." -
Rising Action
The main character leaves all alone to meet the rest of his hunting party while the weather is very treacherous. -
Rising Action
The man takes his mittens of while he is eating and his fingers begin to get very cold and start to become numb. It is starting to get extremely cold and the man's clothes aren't keeping him warm. -
Rising Action
He puts his nose-strap on as he begins to get increasingly colder. -
Rising Action
He reaches the frozen lake and decides to cross. -
Climax
He falls into the water and has to swim across. The main character “broke through [and] he felt the cold water strike his feet and ankles, and with half a dozen lunges he made the bank.” -
Falling Action
The main character is able to swim to the shore of the lake. -
Falling Action
He fails to create a fire at first because his hands are so cold. -
Falling Action
He decides to try using his hands to make the fire and is finally able to start it. -
Resolution
The main character is able to make it home.