The story 'To Build a Fire' by London is a typical representative of naturalism; that is, a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings. Environment shapes human characteristics without them realizing it. This naturalism is also linked to determinism, as the protagonist in the story did not have any free will and nature has already mapped out his fate. Some other themes that are discussed in this story are instinct over intellectualism, and indifferent environment and survival.
In this story, our poor adventurer faces many challenges and accidents. He undermines the harsh weather and proudly starts his journey only to receive extreme frostiness in return. However, the strange fact is that whenever accidents occur, it is written as if they were meant to happen; that is, the author repeatedly mentions 'it happened', as if that "it" was inevitable and the man had to face it. The man is unable to play any role in "it", because nature has already decided "it" should happen. When the snow fell over the fire, nature has decided the fire to be put out. The man does not own the power to alter his fate and rebel against nature.
Also, even though the man seems far from being intellectual, he clandestinely represents intellectualism when compared to his dog, who merely acts by instinct. Let us consider his actions. He sets up the fire under the tree, so that he is more accessible to the tree twigs necessary to grow the fire. In addition, he uses tools called matches in trying to light up a fire again. On the other hand, the dog, taking actions from its instincts, burrow into the snow to avoid coldness, or its thick fur protects it from freezing to death. It is fully aware of the harsh environment that needs meticulous caution. It is true that humans are intellectual creatures compared to other animals, but only the dog was able to survive due to its innate understanding of Yukon's coldness. Even though the dog may not be able to take care of itself, it can follow its instincts to find other food-providers.
This story contains many themes that are quite controversial such as naturalism. The main protagonist faces his fate of death in Yukon which was inevitable.
COMMENTS
Chung Yoonju: It was very interesting to know that the author repeatedly mentions "it happens" as if it meant to be happened. The man in this story couldn't avoid inevitable events happening because it was his fate. But what do you think about Jack London's idea that humans are so fragile in front of the nature and their fates? Also, it was interesting that you compared between the man and the dog and showed humans are still more superior than animals are.
Jane Park: I really like how you mentioned the repeatedness of the phrase "it happened" which I couldn't notice while reading. That seems to be a very good supporting detail to the category of naturalism. I also agree with you that the man and the dog contrasted in the themes of 'intellectual' and 'instinct'.
