The Cremation of Sam McGee Exam prep

Why is the setting (the Arctic Region) so important to the poem?

It shows how cold the climate was and why Sam wanted to be cremated when he died.

What must the narrator endure in order to fulfill his promise?

Cap endures the cold, running low on food, exhaustion, lugging the body.

What "strange thing" happens at the end of the poem?

When Cap opens the furnace door to see if Sam is cremated, Sam is still alive.

How does the poet set up the reader for the big surprise - McGee's supernatural action?

The reader believes Sam is dead until the end when he is magically "alive."

Where was Sam McGee's hometown?

Plumtree, Tennessee.

Why was Sam traveling in the frigid Arctic?

Sam McGee was traveling in the frigid Arctic during the Yukon Gold Rush to find gold.

Sam made a last request to his traveling companion, Cap. What was the request?

To cremate his body after he died.

How did Cap feel about this promise later?

Cap felt haunted, burdened, and deeply regretted.

What happened to Cap's sled dogs? How did this make things worse for Cap?

Cap’s sled dogs died or were "spent" due to exhaustion, starvation, and the harsh, cold Arctic conditions. This made things worse for Cap by forcing him to haul Sam’s body alone.

Why was Cap unable to cremate Sam's remains in the wilderness?

A lack of trees and fuel to start a fire, combined with extreme weather conditions like intense cold and wind.

Were did Cap finally cremate Sam's remains?

Cap cremated Sam McGee's remains in the boiler of a derelict, ice-jammed ship named the Alice May.

What is the main theme of the poem? In other words, what message is the poet trying to share with his audience?

True friendship and loyalty require fulfilling promises, regardless of how difficult or extreme the circumstances are.

How is cold and warm so important in the cremation of sam McGee?

Symbolize the ultimate contrast between suffering and comfort.