Comparing the Two Versions of To Build a Fire Essay -- comparison comp

Comparing the Two Versions of To Build a Fire "I am absolutely confident that beyond the motif itself, there is no similarity of treatment whatever" (544). Jack London, writing in December 1908, was responding to an inquiry from the Richard W. Gilder, editor of Century Magazine. Gilder, having just published "To Build a Fire" in his magazine, was worried when he came across another version published 6 years earlier. London's explanation was that the first story was for boys and the new one was for men; the only similarity being the motif itself. Through careful analysis of the two stories, in light of this letter to Gilder, and another letter to Cloudesly Johns, it is apparent that although London claims no similarities (besides the motif), they definitely exist. Before the similarities are discussed, it is necessary to look at the obvious differences that London explains are in the "treatment" (544). The 1902 version was published for boys, while the 1908 version was published for men. London explains that the motif was "not only very strong, but was very true" (ibid). It seems that he first published it for boys as a sort of educational story; teaching the youngsters about the dangers of the cold weather. Hence, after Tom Vincent learns his lesson, he makes it to camp and doesn't receive any serious damage. Later, London was worried that he had given the motif "inadequate treatment" (ibid). Therefore, he handled the motif again, this time for men, adding a dog for good measure. Since this story was meant for an older audience, topics could be brought up that weren't appropriate to be discussed in the first one: the man considered killing the dog and using his body for warmth. In addition, the most obviou... ...story they are reading. Jack London has written a classic short story in the 1908 version of "To Build a Fire." This is the classic story of man fighting nature. In most genres (e.g. movies, novels, short stories) the main character comes out on top, however unlikely that is. Jack London takes literary naturalism and shows the reader how unmerciful nature is. Much like Stephen Crane in "The Open Boat," in which the one of the characters dies, London doesn't buy into that "has to have a good ending" contrivance. Through analysis of two London's letters (to R.W. Gilder and Cloudesly Johns) these two versions of "To Build a Fire" come alive with new meaning. Although there are many differences on the surface, both stories use his philosophy as expressed to Johns and both teach a moral lesson, one which will not soon be forgotten: "Never travel alone."

Bottle Biology

Bottle Biology Project I made a two-layered bottle ecosystem. In the bottom layer, there is an aquatic ecosystem. In the aquatic ecosystem, there is one organism; a goldfish. In the top layer, there is a land ecosystem. There are many plants and other pudding flowers. This is a good example of two organisms from different ecosystems. There were not as many steps as I thought there would be involved in building the bottle itself. First I emptied out two two liters of pop. I then cut off the tops of both bottles, and threw out one of the bases.In the leftover base, I poured water, aquatic gravel, and a fake plant for the fish. I then put the fish in it’s new happy home. In order to feed him, I cut out a flap leading to the water that I can put fish food in. After that, I began working on the top layer. I placed one of the tops, with the cap still on, about half an inch into the original base. I taped it securely into the base, to ensure that the whole upper layer would not crush the fish. Then I put my plants into the half-built top layer. After that I placed my second bottle top on top of the base, creating another funnel.I taped the top securely on, finishing the bottle. I can screw and unscrew the cap whenever I need to give the plant water. Both the fish and plant do not need much caring for. The plant needs a little bit of water every day, and the fish needs food about twice a day, but that is not nearly what I thought it would take to maintain these organisms. I enjoyed this project; it was very interesting to make two small ecosystems. If I had the chance to do it again with two different organisms I would definitely do it. ———————– AJ Keith 5/19/11 Period 3

Home And Family Home - 1672 Words

Home and Family Home is where your heart is. It can be a one-room shack, apartment, house, or even a camp trailer. At one point everyone in their life have dreamed of having a place they can call home. Home sweet home. Being raised in a military home from 1961 to 1970 we lived in at least 10 different houses that we called at home, because we lived there as a family, when my dad died in 1975 our home was no longer a home but a house that we just cohabitated in. With the absence of our father the majority of the children became juvenile delinquents. Home is where a person can live, play, learn, cry and take refuge. It’s more than a place over your head, it is where memories are made, and hope was hopefully happy ones. It’s a place where a†¦show more content†¦They will feel welcomed and comfortable. The family will sooth each other’s hurts, quiet the worries, and share their dreams. When a family shares each other’s dreams, as they sit around the dining table, they will discuss on how they can make this dreams come to pass and if it should not come to pass the family will share in the disappointment together. Some people think that it’s the furniture and other stuff that makes a house a home, but the truth of the matter is, it’s the people that live in the house that makes it a home. The kids playing in the backyard, going about their daily business and the buzz of life, the noises that are being made by doing chores, the TV blaring, and even occasional argument that makes a hou se a home. It’s also the peace and quiet once all are settled down in the evening, the smell of a home-cooked meal cooking on the stove, stains in the carpet, the marks on the wall, the dirty dishes left in the sink, and the dirty clothes piled on the floor. That’s what makes a house a home. And if you were to ask my husband what make a family he would tell you and I quote â€Å"A family is a family when they pray and play together will also stay together as a family.† (Kenny) â€Å"A house and a home are not same. A house is a part of the material structure of society, whereas a home is made up by its residents. A house is a physical frame for its residents while at the same time the resident marks the