On Fire Response Answers

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?

As Brown writes the essay he skips around describing the process of how firefighters handle the duties of their jobs along with the actual processes they must go through to ensure safe trips and ability to help people.  I liked the way he described the process because the essay was unsure of a chronological order just like his job in not knowing when he will be called or what he will be doing.  This departure fits his subject matter/occupation because it is as disfigured as the essay and takes a special person to take on these duties.

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?

He compares his job to different jobs such as being a cashier or working in a factory where you do the same thing every day to being a firefighter.  This shows the differences he is trying to point out in the essay and how difficult taking on that position can be.  It gives the readers a sense of understanding that this is no simple task.  Also he compares failing to fix the fire hose resulting in a waterstorm on the street.  This shows how quickly and vigorously the water comes out of the hose.  The different types of language used in the essay help the reader visualize and paint a more accurate picture of what it is like to be 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 think he wants to put the pressure of the different duties of a firefighter on the shoulders of the reader.  The reader can then envision themselves doing the actual task instead of another character.  I think this effects the reader in that they visualize themselves being in the position of the writer.

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 is trying to give a detailed description of the overall life of a firefighter.  I know I have never had the opportunity of reading an in-depth description of what it’s like to wait by the phone.  He is trying to say that you learn everything there is to know about being a firefighter because in the end it is you against the fire saving as many lives as humanly possible.