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प्रश्न
With close reference to the short story, To Build a Fire, discuss how the Man's lack of imagination led to his paralysing death while the dog's primitive instincts helped him to survive.
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उत्तर
In the short story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, the central character, an unnamed man, embarks on a journey with his wolf-dog through the frozen Yukon Wilderness. Unfortunately, the man's demise results from his excessive self-assurance and failure to envision the dire circumstances, contrasting sharply with the dog's survival based on primitive instincts.
The absence of imagination in the man is apparent from the story's outset. He disregards the perilous weather conditions he is bound to encounter, dismissing the warnings of the old-timer and obstinately relying on misplaced confidence to conquer the extreme cold. Even the dog's evident unease, signaling impending danger, goes unnoticed. The man neglects essential precautions, such as building a fire, and fails to prepare when faced with an emergency.
As the man proceeds, a series of errors stemming from his lack of imagination unfolds. Ignoring the dog's warning, he falls into a creek, soaking his feet and placing himself in a life-threatening situation. Despite last-minute efforts, he struggles to build a warming fire and ultimately succumbs to death.
In contrast, the dog's reliance on primitive instincts enables it to adapt to changing circumstances. Recognizing the man's demise, the dog instinctively understands the necessity to return to the base camp, where food and fire are available. This quick thinking ensures the dog's survival, highlighting the man's fatal outcome due to his failure of imagination.
The narrative underscores the significance of imagination, thoughtfulness, and adaptability for survival in extreme conditions. While the man's lack of imagination leads to his premature death, the dog's instinctive actions spare it from a similar fate. The story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need to respect the formidable power of nature.
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संबंधित प्रश्न
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And years that fade and flush again;
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“Yes.”
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Its a cruel thing to leave her so.”
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For a little while the man stood with a puzzled air; then he turned back, and went into the hovel again. Maggie with painful effort, had raised herself to an upright position and was sitting on the bed, straining her eyes upon the door out of which all had just departed, A vague terror had come into her thin white face.
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Read the extract given below and answer the question that follow.
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Sibia sprang.
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challenge
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Multiple Choice Question:
What is the significance of four o'clock?
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| Iris: Of her society Be not afraid. I met her deity Cutting the clouds towards Paphos, and her son Dove-drawn with her. |
What is meant by “dove drawn”?
What is the central idea of the poem, John Brown?
