What do we learn about the protagonist of the story?

What seems to be the narrator's attitude toward his subject? Is he sympathetic toward his situation and his miscalculations?

What seem characteristics of the style? Which types of facts does it emphasize and which does it repress?

How would you compare this with other American writings of the period by reformist writers such as Upton Sinclair (The Jungle)? With non-American naturalist portrayals of individuals in difficult circumstances?

How are the forces of nature characterized?

What role is played in this scenario by the dog?

What creates suspense as the story continues?

Does this story address any wider issues, and if so, what may these be? What world view, if any, does the story evoke?

What later writers may have been influenced by reading London's short stories?