“On Fire” Response Questions

1. What process does Brown describe?

Brown is describing the process of being a firefighter.

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

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

The essay is unlike the typical process of explanation, because he just doesn't keep going in order, he also goes off on tangents and goes into detail about other stories, but does eventually return back to topic.

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 goes on to talk about how You learn that you are only human flesh, not Superman. I feel like him talking like this enhances the story but helping us visualize the real life of a firefighter.

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 third-

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

I feel like Brown uses second-person to help get you involved he gets you involved by saying you like you personally, so in away it pulls your attention in. The effect of this is that your more likely to get into the story this way.

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

purpose exemplified in his final paragraph?

I think Brown overall impression he is wanting you to see is that a firefighter is a normal person like you and me, but they sometimes have to stop their normal lives to go fight fires. He does this in the last paragraph by going through all the stuff they have to check before they can relax and once they get relaxed they get called out and have to do it all again.