Why does Sam travel through the frigid arctic in poem cremation of McGee?

In the poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee," Sam doesn't travel through the frigid Arctic because he is being cremated. The poem tells the story of a man named Sam McGee who dies of cold and exhaustion during a journey through the Klondike gold rush.

The speaker, his companion, promises Sam he will cremate his body upon their return to civilization. The journey through the Arctic is what leads to Sam's death, not the reason for it.

Here's a breakdown of the poem's events:

1. Sam and the speaker travel through the Arctic: They face harsh conditions, including extreme cold, snowstorms, and lack of food.

2. Sam dies of cold: Overwhelmed by the frigid weather, Sam succumbs to exhaustion and ultimately dies.

3. The speaker promises to cremate Sam: As a gesture of respect and a promise to fulfill Sam's dying wish, the speaker vows to cremate his body upon their return to civilization.

4. The speaker journeys back to civilization: The speaker makes his way back with Sam's body, enduring the harsh Arctic conditions once more.

5. The speaker fulfills his promise: Upon reaching a settlement, the speaker builds a pyre and cremates Sam, fulfilling his promise.

The poem's focus is on the speaker's journey through the Arctic and the promise he made to Sam. Sam's cremation is a symbolic act of respect and closure.