Topic > Critical Analysis of to Build a Fire by Jack London

IndexIntroductionBook AnalysisReferencesIntroduction Jack London's 'To Build a Fire' can truly be seen as a work of art. It's an excellent tale for anyone who wants to read about topics that anyone can relate to, such as survival and man versus nature. Everyone knows that dog is a person's greatest friend, but what happens when it's a man versus a dog? The fittest truly demonstrates when survival of the fittest begins. Jack London in 'To Build a Fire' offers multiple literary elements that really involve the reader in the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayBook AnalysisJack London discovered fame and fortune at age 27 in the story of a dog who discovered his way to the world as a sled dog in the Yukon with his novel The Call of the Wild (1903). In several philosophical fields, this deterministic perspective has influenced naturalists. Because humans have no free will, naturalistic individuals made no moral judgments regarding their characters' actions; after all, actions are determined by the environment and not by mankind. Naturalists considered the environment deterministic and harsh on its residents, so keen instincts rather than civilized intellects are essential for survival. Man versus nature is a major theme in “To Build a Fire.” The world of nature is depicted as emotionless and unaware of man's destiny throughout the story. This literary depiction of nature reflects naturalism as an understanding of the natural universe. Unlike other literary movements, naturalism takes on the characteristics of love, care and human action, without feelings and without projecting them onto the natural planet. Success made the tough London lifestyle a little easier. The adventure story "To Build a Fire" about one man's futile effort, in seventy-five degrees below zero, to trek ten miles into the Yukon wilderness. At 10:00, the unknown actor plans to arrive at the camp for lunch, where others wait. This relatively short trip is unfortunately impossible due to unforeseen complications. At 9 am there is no longer any sun in the sky, and an extra meter of snow has fallen in this desolate region of the Yukon. The boy doesn't worry, despite the dull, biting, paralyzing cold, even when he has reason to worry. First of all, he had underestimated the cold. He knows his face and fingers are stupid, but he doesn't understand the severity of the condition until later in the story. The person gradually becomes more concerned about the scenario as the story unfolds. First, he is simply aware of the cold; he's a little worried; in the end he is delusional. The wolfdog is his only companion. The animal, depressed by the cold, seems to feel that the terribly low temperatures can cause something terrible. The dog's behavior should demonstrate to the man that he underestimated the risk. The man is very satisfied at first. He knew it was cold, but he didn't consider the effect it would have on him. As the writer states, “the problem with him was because he was unimaginative.” He assumed that it was enough to protect him with gloves, hats and warm socks. Only when he gets his feet wet does he worry. He realizes he should have heard an old man tell him he should never go into the cold Yukon alone. However, the man is practical and, although he is afraid, his mind is only on survival. He can't think of giving up. His projections are vain because any naturalism of free will