How does the setting affect the speaker's decision to accept Sam McGee's request?ResponsesThe setting of the Arctic trail has its own rules that the speaker wants to honor.The setting of the Arctic trail has its own rules that the speaker wants to honor.The setting of the crematorium scares the speaker into granting Sam McGee's request.The setting of the crematorium scares the speaker into granting Sam McGee's request.The setting of Tennessee makes the speaker want to return there with Sam McGee.The setting of Tennessee makes the speaker want to return there with Sam McGee.The setting of Lake Lebarge makes the speaker want to make Sam McGee happy.

Answer 1

In the poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service, the setting plays a crucial role in influencing the speaker's decision to honor Sam McGee's request.

The Arctic setting, characterized by its harsh, cold, and unforgiving nature, establishes a backdrop that shapes the speaker's actions and feelings. The desolate environment creates a sense of isolation and stark reality, pushing the speaker to honor the wishes of his deceased friend in a manner that aligns with the customs and practicalities of survival in such an extreme locale. The importance of companionship and loyalty is underscored in this setting; it amplifies the bond between the speaker and Sam, making the promise to fulfill his last request more significant.

While the specific mention of a crematorium evokes a sense of fear and the macabre, the primary focus remains on the broader implications of the Arctic wilderness. The starkness of the landscape and the circumstances of Sam McGee's death motivate the speaker to act in a way that reflects respect for their friendship and the hardships they faced together.

Thus, the setting of the Arctic trail and the inevitability of death in such a location compel the speaker to embrace the peculiar request of cremation, allowing the context of their environment to guide his actions and ultimately honor his friend's wish.