Question

Why does Sam want to be cremated in The Cremation of Sam McGee?

Answer 1

Because he hates the cold and doesn’t want to be buried in the frozen ground.

Answer 2

Answer:

Sam hates the cold and doesn't want to be buried in the frozen ground. So, as his dying wish, he asks our speaker to cremate him (which is a fancy way of saying "burn his corpse"). ... He ends up having a lousy trip, carrying Sam's frozen corpse until he finds a spot to burn Sam's body.