The man is resentful of the dog’s natural protection. The excerpt describes how the dog’s warmth and security provoke anger in the man, highlighting his resentment toward the dog's instinctual ability to cope with the cold while he struggles.
Read the excerpt from an adaptation of "To Build a Fire.”
When he fell down a second time, the dog curled its tail over its forefeet and sat in front of him, facing him, curiously eager and intent. The warmth and security of the animal angered him, and he cursed it till it flattened down its ears appeasingly. This time the shivering came more quickly upon the man. He was losing in his battle with the frost.
The dog is "eager and intent,” while the man is
resentful of the dog’s natural protection.
frustrated by the dog’s disobedience.
confused by the change in temperature.
satisfied with his own survival skills.
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