Character and Setting in "To Build a Fire," Part 1
Question 1 • KS-English Language Arts 9 CR
Read the passage from Part 1 of “To Build a Fire.”It made quick efforts to lick the ice off its legs, then dropped down in the snow and began to bite out the ice that had formed between the toes. This was a matter of instinct. To permit the ice to remain would mean sore feet. It did not know this. It merely obeyed the mysterious prompting that arose from the deep crypts of its being. But the man knew, having achieved a judgment on the subject, and he removed the mitten from his right hand and helped tear out the ice particles.
Answer
A
It responds to natural impulses.
B
It ignores painful symptoms.
C
It appreciates the man’s help.
D
It understands the risks of frostbite.
Explanation
The dog bites the ice from between its toes because instinct prompts it to do so. The passage explains that it does not consciously know why the ice should be removed; it simply follows a natural impulse. Therefore, “It responds to natural impulses” is correct. The dog does not understand the risks or consciously appreciate the man’s help.
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