On Fire

“On Fire” Response Questions

1. What process does Brown describe?

• Brown describes the life of a fireman. He tells of the situations and habits that each firefighter will learn quickly.

2. How is this essay unlike the typical process explanation, presented in strict chronological

order? Why does this departure “fit” his subject matter/occupation?

• This essay is unlike the typical process explanantion because it does not tell of a specific day. It describes the day to day life of fireman. It tells of the different seasons and how the firefighters feel in each setting.
• These forms of telling the story “fits” because it makes the occupation of fireman seem more realistic because they are only thought of as actually fighting fires. This is not the only part of their job description however because they have to retrieve pets and other odd jobs for taxpayers.

3. In the first paragraph, Brown uses a simile when he says that one of the things a firefighter

learns is that they “can burn like a candle.” What other examples of figurative language does

he use? How does such language enhance the essay?

• Brown also uses metaphors and personification in the essay. He uses the metaphors to help describe the fireman in general, “you are only human flesh, not Superman.” Brown personifies the fire truck as well as his equipment.
• This language enhances the essay because it makes the descriptions more relatable and easier to read.

4. Throughout his essay, Brown repeatedly uses the second-person pronoun you. Why do you

think Brown uses the second-person perspective, instead of the more usual first- (I) or thirdperson

(he or she) in his essay? What effect does it have?

• Brown uses the pronoun you because he is describing the life of every firefighter not just himself. They all learn the same lessons quickly and react in similar ways.
• The effect that is made upon the essay gives the reader a generalized view of firefighters and how they are all similar because they take the same precautions.

5. What overall impression(s) of firefighting do you think Brown wishes to convey? How is this

purpose exemplified in his final paragraph?

• Brown wishes to convey a positive look on firefighting. He seems to enjoy his job and the pleasures of having a different emergency every day.
• This purpose is exemplified in the final paragraph because although they may take the same actions every morning or night when they arrive at the station they have a different working day every day. This makes the job respectable and exhilarating.