The author explains the "fight or flight" response by comparing

It's to know your purpose before you read something because a purpose can:

What was the biggest type of pirate ship called?

Tobias wolff most likely named his short story "mortals" because the story explores the theme of people coming to terms with the idea that one day they too will die. wanting to find out what their loved ones really think of them. achieving immortalit by being "big people" while they are alive. hoping that they will have accomplished something before they die.