Jack London’s 1908 short story “To Build a Fire” is based on an anonymous man who is constantly struggling to survive in the wilderness of Yukon Territory. Although he is having excessive difficulties due to the brutalities of the cold, the man is also struggling with personal issues such as being ignorant, naïve, and remorseful in regard to his current situation. Because of this, the man realizes that this is not just a battle between him and his inner-self, but also against himself and the unforgiving cruelties of nature.
In reflection of his situation, the man is depicted as ignorant. Evidence in the story is found by his definite assurance of his knowledge of survival tactics, but it is observed that he does not actually have this knowledge. Even though it is very cold, the man is unaware and uncaring about the harsh temperatures he is facing. For example, “Fifty degrees below zero was to him just precisely fifty degrees below zero” (548). The main character is unaware of the dangers of nature that he will continue to face due to the extremely low temperatures and the harsh, arctic climate of Yukon Territory. For instance, “This man did not know cold. Possibly all the generations of his ancestry had been ignorant of cold, of real cold, of cold one hundred and seven degrees below freezing point” (551). From these resources, readers are able to conclude the susceptibility of the man to the conditions of the area commencing his inevitable ignorance.
The man’s naïve personality is also found in the ongoing progression of London’s short story. London shows that the main character is naïve by his lack of knowledge and disdain of wise counsel. Expecting to return to camp by 6:00 P.M., the man eats his lunch of biscuits at 10:00 A.M. Also, the story notes the following: “He thought of those biscuits, each cut open and sopped in bacon grease” (548). This statement reflects the man’s naive thoughts in comparison to the long journey ahead with ignorance regarding the obstacles that would transpire throughout the day. In addition to his inexperienced approach of the trip, the man travels alone in the dangerous areas of the freezing wilderness. As he continues on his journey, he realizes that he should have listened to the wise advice he had received from an experienced journeyman. He recalls this statement: “After fifty below, a man should travel with a partner” (554). As the story continues, the main character begins to comprehend his naivety, and he starts to regret his lack of awareness to nature.
Near the end of the narrative, the key individual of the story begins to have feelings of remorse. He begins to accept his fate of death. As he starts to reflect on death, he realizes that he will never reach the camp or see the other “boys” again. He ultimately discovers that he should have taken the advice he was given from other experienced travelers. The man mumbled, “You were right, old hoss; you were right” (558). During his pondering thoughts of remorse, the man “drowsed off into what seemed to him the most comfortable and satisfying sleep he had ever known” (558). In conclusion, the main character regrets his decisions regarding the journey, but he ultimately accepts his fate.
Overall, London’s short story is found to be very naturalistic. Jack London develops the main characters and plot of the story with connections to nature. The unnamed man demonstrates ordinary human qualities and faults such as being naïve, ignorant, and remorseful. Throughout the development of the story, nature is found to be an inevitable source of power in the man’s situation. All in all, London’s short story creates a persona of the common man and his ignorance to nature’s ruthlessness.
