Critical Analysis of “To Build a Fire” by Jack London
Jack London’s “To Build a Fire” showcases the harsh indifference of nature through the man’s struggle for survival and his dog’s instinctual surrender. The story employs symbolism, setting, and characterization to illustrate themes of naturalism and realism. The protagonist’s ignorance and lack of imagination highlight his ultimate demise in the brutal Yukon winter. Through a formalist lens, London’s narrative structure and literary elements emphasize the central conflict between man and nature, revealing nature’s dominance over human will.
References
London, Jack. To Build a Fire. CreateSpace, 2009.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, January 8). Critical Analysis of “To Build a Fire” by Jack London. https://studycorgi.video/critical-analysis-of-to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london/