Why is the camp-fire represented as a rude humorist? It causes faces and forms that are haggard and care-worn to appear fresh and healthy, thus playing a grim jest upon those gathered round it. Explain the significance of "fierce" in the last line. In the mad rush for gold, all the worst elements of man's nature are brought to the surface--disregard for the rights of others, contempt for law and order, and even carelessness with regard to human life. Consider the fitness of the words "rude", "painted", "race", as used here. Stanza III What indicates the value that the owner places upon this book? The words "treasure" and "hoarded" suggest that it is one of his most highly prized possessions. What suggests that this is not the first time the story has been read in camp? The word "anew". How does the poet indicate the absorbing interest that the story has for these men? He says the fascination is so great as to draw the attention of these rough miners even from their card-playing. Explain "listless leisure". Stanza IV Explain "the firelight fell". The fire gradually died down, because, absorbed in their interest in the story, the miners forgot to put on fresh fuel. Why is Dickens called the "Master"? A master is one who attains the highest degree of skill in some art. Dickens was master of the art of story-telling, a master of vivid narration, a master of pathos and humour. Stanzas V and VI Is there anything in these stanzas which might throw light upon the identity of the reader? He is probably the poet himself. His familiarity with the fancies of the reader seem to indicate this. Besides, the reader is kept very much in the background--we are told only that he was young--and this seems to be in keeping with the modesty of the poet as shown elsewhere in the poem. At any rate, we must admit that the reader was a poet, for he indulges in fancies of a highly poetical nature. What are those fancies? Such is the absorbing interest of the story that even the pines and cedars seem to stand silent to listen, and the fir trees gather closer in order that nothing may escape their hearing. What is the poetic element in these fancies? Ascribing to inanimate objects the power of human interest and sympathy. What effect does the poet secure by picturing the trees as listeners? It enhances our idea of the absorbing interest of the story.