Question

what special significance do the adjective bleak and bitter have

Answer 1

the two adjectives bleak and bitter ate employed to mean that it was severe cold and life was not possible without the warmth of fire. so it was possibly to create the sense of urgency or emergency that badly needed the men's own contribution. but even in that situatikn, knowing that they would freeze to death once the fire dies out, no one came forward with his long of wood to save himself and others.