I am currently reading Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire." On my study guide, I was asked "What is the one important element beside matches that the man needs to build a fire?" I would say oxygen, but I don't think this is it, because the book doesn't refer to it. Would it be usable fingers (since the man's were frostbitten?) THank you.
How about fuel for the fire?
How about dry fuel?
In the short story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, the man needs more than just matches to build a fire. While oxygen is essential for a fire to burn, it is not the answer to the specific question posed in your study guide.
In the story, the man's inability to start a fire is not due to the lack of oxygen but rather the lack of dexterity in his fingers. As you rightly mentioned, the man's fingers are frostbitten and this prevents him from being able to effectively handle the matches and kindling necessary to start a fire. Therefore, the answer to your question would indeed be usable fingers.
To arrive at this answer, it is important to carefully analyze the details and events in the story. By paying attention to the man's circumstances, such as his struggle with the extreme cold and his attempts to start a fire, you can infer that his inability to handle the matches due to his frostbitten fingers is a crucial obstacle in his survival.
tinder?
http://www.answers.com/tinder