Compare And Contrast The Possibility Of Evil And To Build A Fire

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To Build A Fire The stories “The Possibility of Evil” and “To Build a Fire” demonstrate a theme that revolves around human will and stubbornness, as well as the actions people will take in order to achieve their goals. The authors are able to convey this theme by using character development. In other words, they provide information indirectly by explaining the characters’ justification and mindset behind their actions. The main characters in both of these stories carry out actions that apparently defy logic, but an understanding of their character, including background, personality, and flaws, helps to reconcile their behavior. They both demonstrate an “ends justify the means” approach, consistent with their character and personality flaws. The use of character development in “The Possibility of Evil” clearly brings out the theme of willpower and the lengths someone will go to attain a sought-after outcome. The protagonist of this story, Adela Strangeworth, says in one passage, “My grandfather built the first house on Pleasant Street...This house right here. My family has lived here for better than a hundred years.” (Jackson 173) The author shows that Strangeworth feels that the town and the people in it belong to her, and are therefore hers to defend as well. Another passage states about Strangeworth, “Miss…show more content…
Adela Strangeworth wrote horrible letters in order to rid her town of perceived evil while the protagonist from “To Build a Fire” travelled in harsh conditions in order to reach camp faster. Ultimately, the analysis of these two stories suggests that, sometimes, people’s wills are so great that they take unnecessary risks that eventually backfire on them. 
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