"To Build a Fire"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines Jack London's story "To Build a Fire," with emphasis on elements of naturalism and realism. The paper illustrates the use that London makes of the dog as a character in the story. The story is outlined, depicting a lone man fighting the cold of Alaska and struggling to build a fire that may save him. The theme of conflict in the form of a contest between nature and man is prevalent in this paper, with man eventually overwhelmed by nature, a force obviously beyond his control.

From the Paper:

"The real-life Jack London journeyed, along with thousands of others, to the Klondike in search of gold (Schorer, et al. 581-2). But one does not have to know about London's personal history to see that "To Build a Fire" fits into the realistic mold and contains features of naturalism. The harsh, "exceedingly cold and gray" (London 490) climate of the Klondike setting of the story puts "To Build a Fire" within the vein of naturalism. The story also offers a credible portrait of an ordinary man--not a dashing, romantic hero who conquers all despite the odds. The man's behavior is described persuasively because it sets up conflict in the form of a contest between nature and man, with man eventually overwhelmed by nature, a force definitely beyond his control."

More papers on "To Build a Fire":

• Analytical Essay # 67619 : "The Power of Nature in "To Build a Fire" and "The Law of Life"
• Comparison Essay # 36363 : " "Young Goodman Brown" and "To Build A Fire"
• Analytical Essay # 64621 : "Jack London's "To Build a Fire"

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