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“To Build A Fire” is set in the wilderness of the Klondike in Alaska. The main character is a gold miner at the Calumet Camp in Yukon which is located on the eastern border between Canada and Alaska. The short story occurs around 1897ish, because the men are gold miners during the Klondike gold rush. It is winter in this story, and the narrator notes that it is around -60 degrees outside.
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The main character is named Tom Vincent. He is described as being determined, stubborn, and a little overly confident. He is very muscular.
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Tom sets out to meet up with his hunting friends. He is alone.
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Tom takes his mittens off. His fingers get cold really soon, so puts them back on.
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Tom, much to his dislike, has to put on his nose strap.
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Tom falls into the freezing water.
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Tom trudges across the water and reaches the land.
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Tom struggles to start a fire, because his frostbitten hands make him clumsy.
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Tom considers giving up, but, in the end, he is able to start a fire. He burns his hands in the process.
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Tom tries to get his circulation back into his hands.
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Tom makes it home alive.