"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane "To Build a Fire" by Jack London

 "The Open Boat" discussion questions:

1.    What is the setting of the story? What is the significance of the setting considering that the story is told in the naturalist literary style?
2.    List some examples of the indifference of nature against the struggle of the men. Why can't the men overcome these forces?
3.    What is the meaning of the sea gulls taunting the men in the boat?
4.    How do the men form a brotherhood? List some examples.
5.    List some examples of the significance of the use of color in the description of the environment.
6.    List some examples of how the story fits the naturalist genre.
7.    In your opinion, why do you think the oiler, the strongest of the four, is the one to die at the end (*hint: think about this from a naturalist perspective)?
8.    Critics have made different arguments about the role of women and the “feminine” in this story. Re-read “The Open Boat,” paying attention to every mention of women and every use of feminine pronouns. Take notes as you read and use the information you find to develop your thoughts about this. How do you think femininity is portrayed in the story? What do women seem to represent? Is the story consistent in its attitudes toward femininity? 
9.    Review the story, paying attention to Crane’s use of repetition. Focus on one phrase, line, or image that is repeated in the story and explain its significance in and effect on the story.
 

"To Build a Fire"  discussion questions:

1. Why do you think this man is simply referred to as "the man" and the dog, "the dog"? Why might London have chosen to not give these characters a name? 
2. London writes, “He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances.”  What does this tell us about the man?  What is his character like?
3. The narrator of this story makes sure to say, "there was no keen intimacy between the dog and the man" (15). How does this comment play out in the story? How would you characterize the man's relationship to the dog, and what does it suggest about London's general view of humans and animals? How might the story have been different if there were keen intimacy between the guy and his canine?
4. In the paragraph where the man reflects on “old-timers” and “men who are men” what do you think of his mentality and beliefs?
5. When the man contemplates “using” his dog for survival, how does London emphasize the qualities of naturalism? How are the qualities of realism also prevalent in this story?