The sun was just far enough in the west to send inviting shadows. In the center of a small field, and in the shade of a haystack which was there, a girl lay sleeping. She had slept long and soundly, when something awoke her as suddenly as if it had been a blow. She opened her eyes and stared a moment up in the cloudless sky. She yawned and stretched her long brown legs and arms, lazily. Then she arose, never minding the bits of straw that clung to her black hair, to her red bodice, and the blue cotonade skirt that did not reach her ankles.
The log cabin in which she dwelt with her parents was just outside the enclosure in which she had been sleeping. Beyond was a small clearing that did duty as a cotton field. All else was dense wood, except the long stretch that curved round the brow of the hill, and in which glittered the steel rails of the Texas and Pacific road.
When Caline emerged from the shadow she saw a long train of passenger coaches standing in view, where they must have stopped abruptly. It was that sudden stopping which had awakened her; for such a thing had not happened before within her recollection, and she looked stupid, at first, with astonishment. There seemed to be something wrong with the engine; and some of the passengers who dismounted went forward to investigate the trouble. Others came strolling along in the direction of the cabin, where Caline stood under an old gnarled mulberry tree, staring. Her father had halted his mule at the end of the cotton row, and stood staring also, leaning upon his plow.
There were ladies in the party. They walked awkwardly in their high-heeled boots over the rough, uneven ground. They tried to talk to Caline, but could not understand the French patois with which she answered them.
One of the men—a pleasant-faced youngster—drew a sketch book from his pocket and began to make a picture of the girl. She stayed motionless, her hands behind her, and her wide eyes fixed earnestly upon him. Before he had finished there was a summons from the train; and all went scampering hurriedly away. The engine screeched, it sent a few lazy puffs into the still air, and in another moment or two had vanished, bearing its human cargo with it.
Caline could not feel the same after that. She looked with new and strange interest upon the trains of cars that passed so swiftly back and forth across her vision, each day; and wondered whence these people came, and whither they were going.
One day she walked miles down the track to talk with the old flagman, who stayed down there by the big water tank. Yes, he knew. Those people came from the great cities in the north, and were going to the city in the south. He knew all about the city; it was a grand place. He had lived there once. His sister lived there now; and she would be glad enough to have so fine a girl as Caline to help her cook and scrub, and tend the babies. And he thought Caline might earn as much as five dollars a month, in the city.
So she went; in a new cotonade, and her Sunday shoes; with a sacredly guarded scrawl that the flagman sent to his sister.
The woman lived in a tiny, stuccoed house, with green blinds, and three wooden steps leading down to the banquette. Over the house tops loomed the tall masts of ships, and the hum of the French market could be heard on a still morning. Caline was at first bewildered. She had to readjust all her preconceptions to fit the reality of it. The flagman's sister was a kind and gentle task-mistress. At the end of a week or two she wanted to know how the girl liked it all. Caline liked it very well, for it was pleasant, on Sunday afternoons, to stroll with the children under the great, solemn sugar sheds; or to sit upon the compressed cotton bales, watching the stately steamers, the graceful boats, and noisy little tugs that plied the waters of the Mississippi.
When the woman asked her again after another week if she were still pleased, she was not so sure. And again when she questioned Caline the girl turned away, and went to sit behind the big, yellow cistern, to cry unobserved. For she knew now that it was not the great city and its crowds of people she had so eagerly sought; but the pleasant-faced boy, who had made her picture that day under the mulberry tree.
How are the main characters in “To Build a Fire” and “Caline” different?
Responses
The main character in “Caline” is lazy, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” is driven.
The main character in “Caline” is lazy, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” is driven.
The main character in “Caline” acts out of desperation, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” bases his actions on logic and careful planning.
The main character in “Caline” acts out of desperation, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” bases his actions on logic and careful planning.
The main character in “Caline” makes decisions that leave her unhappy, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” makes decisions that cost him his life .
The main character in “Caline” makes decisions that leave her unhappy, while the main character in “To Build a Fire” makes decisions that cost him his life .
The main character in "Caline" is fearful of change, while the main character in “To Build a Fire" is fearful of his surroundings.
1 answer
The main characters in "Caline" and "To Build a Fire" demonstrate different motivations and responses to their circumstances, reflecting their distinct narratives and themes.
Motivation and Initiative: In "Caline," the main character displays curiosity and a longing for change, but she is initially passive and somewhat aimless, as indicated by her laziness at the start of the story. Conversely, the protagonist in "To Build a Fire" is driven by a strong sense of purpose, determined to complete his journey despite the severe cold and icy conditions.
Decision-making and Consequences: Caline’s decisions stem from her yearning for connection and belonging, leading her to the city, where she ultimately feels disillusioned. This reflects a search for happiness that remains unresolved. The character in "To Build a Fire," however, makes decisions that are based on overconfidence and a lack of respect for nature, which ultimately lead to fatal consequences. His logical yet flawed planning directly results in his demise.
Emotional Responses: Caline’s emotional journey is about her conflicting feelings towards the potential of city life and her longing for a past, embodied by the boy who sketched her. This highlights her struggle between desire and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, the protagonist in "To Build a Fire" experiences a drastic shift from confidence to desperation as he confronts the realities of nature; his fear emerges too late to save him.
Attitudes Towards Change: Caline is hesitant and fearful of change after her initial excitement fades, underscoring her preference for the familiar, even when it may not bring her happiness. The main character in "To Build a Fire," however, shows an initial bravado in facing the harsh wilderness, which ultimately backfires tragically as he underestimates the environmental challenges before him.
In summary, while Caline seeks fulfillment in new experiences but finds herself discontented, the character in "To Build a Fire" approaches a dangerous situation with misplaced confidence, leading to a dire outcome. Their contrasting reactions to their circumstances illuminate different themes of desire, consequence, and the human condition.
