Question

In "To Build a Fire," the man succeeds in building a fire after having fallen into the water, only to have the fire doused by a load of snow that falls off the tree boughs above it. This is an example of _____.

Answer 1

Irony

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that Irony is a literary term that describes the situation of things or an occurrence that appears intentionally different to what one expects and is most of the time engaging as a result.

Hence, in this case, following the man's success of building a fire, the dousing of the fire by a load of snow was unexpected of him at that time. This shows a tragic irony that must have affected the man's expectations.

Therefore, the correct answer in this case is IRONY.