Post by Caden Hong on Sept 10, 2015 1:16:10 GMT
In “The Bonfire,” the old fireside seems to have brought a lot of memories to the old man who was out wandering around in the cold (34). Just sitting next to the fireside that was built by children for fun, he was reminded of the “happy fireside” he left ten years ago (34). The readers are not informed of what makes his old fireside a happy one. But we can clearly pick up the joy and all sorts of pleasant emotions he was able to feel through warming up by this fireside. This information gives us an insight to the positive memories this man associates to fires.
The boys decided to build their own fire to compete with another fire that was burning across the beach by the farmers. Their approach to fire is more playful. They seem to be unaware of risks or consequences associated with fires, especially since they leave it unattended after they successfully build it. It does not carry much meaning or important memories for them as it does to the old man. Additionally, the old man’s approach to fire was more delicate yet passionate, most likely because his life was dependent on it. He had a frostbite on his small toe because of the cold weather and he needed to dry his wet clothes. Without the fire, his life could have been at risk. The fire is a very precious discovery to the old man. Their approaches are totally different from one another.
Where did this old man come from? And where is he heading towards? What is the story behind “the happy fireside” he left ten years ago (34)? What sorrow does he carry?
The boys decided to build their own fire to compete with another fire that was burning across the beach by the farmers. Their approach to fire is more playful. They seem to be unaware of risks or consequences associated with fires, especially since they leave it unattended after they successfully build it. It does not carry much meaning or important memories for them as it does to the old man. Additionally, the old man’s approach to fire was more delicate yet passionate, most likely because his life was dependent on it. He had a frostbite on his small toe because of the cold weather and he needed to dry his wet clothes. Without the fire, his life could have been at risk. The fire is a very precious discovery to the old man. Their approaches are totally different from one another.
Where did this old man come from? And where is he heading towards? What is the story behind “the happy fireside” he left ten years ago (34)? What sorrow does he carry?