Naturalism In Jack London's To Build A Fire

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Jack London's To Build a Fire, which takes place in Yukon, Canada, follows an arrogant man who wants to travel to his friend’s camp, in seventy five degrees below zero weather. The man does not heed the advice of the wise old-timer, and chooses to go on the dangerous journey alone, ultimately freezing to death. The shorty story explores the the theme of naturalism, by studying the behavior of a man placed in an extreme setting. The story “To Build a Fire” argues that if only some people were not so prideful, choosing to ignoring wise advice, their downfall could have been prevented.
The main character’s excessive pride prevents him from taking advice from the old- timer. The main character regards the wise man as, “… rather womanish … (72).” The main character thinks of the wise old-timer as a coward, because the old timer believe it is dangerous to go alone. The main character criticizes the old man, and ends up venturing out into the cold, because his pride is not letting him think straight. The man thinks that, “All a man had to do was to keep his head and he was all right (72).” The main character thinks it is a reasonable course of action to travel alone, and all he has to do is stay calm, despite the dangerous path ahead of him. The man’s excessive pride, prevents him from heeding the advice of the …show more content…
The main character’s hubris makes him ignore the wise of the old man, not to travel alone. Throughout out the story the man is guided by his desire to prove the old man wrong; and show that he is able to complete the journey, with no outside help. Towards the end of the story, the main character is able to realize that if only he had listened to the old man, his life could have been saved. In conclusion, the story shows that excessive pride is foolishness, preventing people from seeking assistance, and ultimately
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