Read the following quote and discuss how it applies to the main characters in both stories. In the course of this discussion, address how each of the characters is both similar and different:
“Determinisim governs everything … The writer must study the inherited traits of individual character and the social condition of the time. Together, these elements determine the course of any action, the outcome of any life. Free will or self-determination is mostly an illusion, although chance is granted a role in human affairs. Still, even the effects of chance are obliterated in the inevitable course determined by the interaction of inherited character traits and the social environment.“
In the case of “The Blue Hotel”, the surroundings around the Swede are key factors to the outcome of the movie. He was a very socially awkward man, but the environment he was in was all about being social, as well as drinking. He thought he was in the Wild West when he entered the hotel, so his guard was already up. The encouragement of others definitely predetermined what was going to happen. The blending of personalities was a clash that cuased the death of the swede.
During the story, “To Build a Fire”, environment and fate played a huge role in his death. There was just no way that the man could have surivived in the wilderness. He was simpy not fit enough, as no other human would be. His personality also caused him to not survive. He was too confident in himself, and did not listen to any warnings given to him. It was all fate that he died, having his personality and the environment clash.
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