Question

Read the passage from Part 1 of “To Build a Fire”.

He pulled the mitten on hurriedly and stood up. He was a bit frightened. He stamped up and down until the stinging returned to his feet. It certainly was cold, was his thought. That man from Sulphur Creek had spoken the truth when telling how cold it sometimes got in the country. And he had laughed at him at the time! That showed one must not be too sure of things. There was no mistake about it, it was cold. He strode up and down, stamping his feet and threshing his arms, until reassured by the returning warmth.

What does the man’s reaction reveal about him?

His instincts are reliable.
His confidence is wavering.
His faith sustains him.
His frustration overwhelms him.

Answer 1

His confidence is wavering.

He realizes the man from Sulphur Creek was right and recalls laughing at him, which makes him think “one must not be too sure of things.” His actions (stamping to reassure himself) show uncertainty rather than assuredness, faith, or frustration.