Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

What qualities or abilities do the dogs have that benefit Paulsen because humans lack them?

Paulsen’s perspective about dogs and other animals changes over the course of the story. What factors contribute to this change of attitude?

Paulsen has a complex relationship with the natural environment. What roles does nature play in Paulsen’s life?

How does the contrast of light and dark imagery in the book enhance the story?

How does Ruth’s personality contrast with Paulsen’s? In what ways are they similar?

Paulsen knows it is very unlikely that he will win the race as a rookie or claim any of the prize money. What motivates him to persist in pursuing this extremely difficult and often dangerous quest?

How do Paulsen’s relationships with other mushers and Alaskan residents affect his Iditarod experience?

In describing the harsh climate, the challenging terrain, or the difficulties of the race, Paulsen often writes in long sentences full of repetition and sometimes contradictory words. What does Paulsen accomplish with his use of repetition and amplification in his writing?