To build a fire

To build a fire by Jack London

Respond to these questions

Why is the old man in Fairbanks important to the story? The young man got the idea to save himself by killing the dog to warm his hands so that he might light a new fire.  Would you have thought of the same idea under these circumstances?   What happened in this story that is typical of young men?

A Pair of Silk Stockings

Respond in writing to the following prompts.

Describe Mrs Sommers past.  (reference Line 5, à life was easier years ago.) Say why it is now different.  What was the significance of her spending the money on her self?  How did you feel about reading this story? What has the story shown you?

The Burglary by Arnold Bennett

Exaggeration and distortion are very valuable tools in art and language. Painters (and writers) often use caricature to distort a character but caricature also makes logical sense.  Look at the last sentence of the story.  It mentions 'silver spoon'.  An old English expression involves "having a silver spoon in one's mouth." 

Was the last one of the story comedy? What social point does it make?  What aspect of the crime was significant in this story?  Was their one or two crimes? What did the author want to say about Sir Jee’s character? What astonished you?  Is there anything you learned from reading this story?