“Forest Fire”

Anais Nin

“Forest Fire” by Anais Nin

• Native to France, but grew up in the U.S.

• Began writing at age 11.

• Wrote novels and short stories.

• Best known for her 6 diaries spanning 60 years.

• “Forest Fire” is from her 5th diary. It is about how she looks at life “as an adventure and a tale.”

Insight into “Forest Fire”

The author recalls a horrific fire that swept through the mountains near the community of Sierra Madre, California, threatening all those around. She reflects that one who truly loves nature must love it not only during its peaceful moments, but also during its wild and dangerous times.

Purpose for Reading

• Identify a purpose for reading

• Build vocabulary

• Read, comprehend, and interpret literature

• Respond to a story through writing, listening, and speaking.

• Answer after-reading questions.

Vocabulary

• Sierra Madre:

• Evacuees (evacuate): n. • people who leave a place, especially because of

danger.

• Tenacious: adj. • holding on firmly

• Dissolution (dissolve): n.• The act of breaking down and crumbling

• Ravaging (ravage): adj.• Severely damaging