To Build a Fire

Jack London specialized in stories about the wilderness. His running theme involved the raw majesty and power of the elements. Naturalism was London's mantra, and this story is a perfect example of this. "To Build a Fire" is set in the Yukon. It is cold, merciless and wild. The man is secondary to the setting, as illustrated by his lack of a name. The man is arrogant. He thinks he knows better than his very apprehensive husky and the old timer's advice. The setting gives many clues to the man. The setting is almost a character in that way. The dog warns him not to go ahead, but he goes on anyway. When the man does not heed nature's warnings, the penalties are harsh. The dog and the elements are in sync with nature’s rhythms; the man is not. London's familiar theme of respect for this setting is hammered home when the man freezes to death alone in the snow.