The man has become desperate and agitated. At the beginning of the story, he is confident in his abilities and dismissive of the extreme cold. However, as he struggles to survive in the harsh environment, his desperation increases, leading him to entertain the wild idea of killing the dog for warmth. This shift highlights his agitation and loss of rational thinking as he faces the severe conditions.
Read the excerpt from an adaptation of "To Build a Fire.”
The sight of the dog put a wild idea into his head. He would kill it and bury his hands in the warm body until the numbness went out of them. Then he could build another fire. He spoke to the dog, calling it to him; but in his voice was a strange note of fear that frightened the animal, and it would not come.
How has the man changed since the beginning of the story?
He has begun to fear the dog.
He has become desperate and agitated.
He has become emotional and sensitive.
He has begun hoping for a painless death.
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