Mary Allen
Introduction
"To Build a Fire" is a gripping short story written by Jack London, which narrates the journey of a man and his dog in the Yukon wilderness. The story is a classic example of naturalism, where the protagonist struggles against the forces of nature and meets an unfortunate fate. The story is a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness, where survival is a constant struggle.
The story of "To Build a Fire"
The story begins with the man and his dog travelling through the frozen tundra of the Yukon. The man is confident of his survival skills and ignores the warnings of the locals about travelling alone in the cold weather. As the story progresses, the man faces several challenges, including falling into a creek and getting his feet wet. He tries to start a fire but fails, and the dog watches him intently.
The role of the dog in the story
The dog is the only companion of the man on his journey, and he plays a crucial role in the story. The dog is a representation of survival instincts, and his actions throughout the story are a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. The dog is loyal to the man, and he follows him despite the dangerous conditions. The dog’s actions in the story are an indication of his acute sense of danger and his ability to survive in the wilderness.
The dog’s survival instincts
The dog’s survival instincts are evident throughout the story. He is aware of the dangers of the wilderness and follows the man closely. When the man falls into the creek, the dog tries to warn him about the danger. When the man tries to start a fire, the dog watches him closely, knowing that the fire is crucial for their survival. The dog’s instincts are a reflection of his ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of the wilderness and his innate sense of danger.
The turning point in the story
The turning point in the story is when the man falls into the creek and gets his feet wet. This event marks the beginning of the end for the man, as his survival chances decrease significantly. The man’s inability to start a fire at this point is a clear indication of his lack of survival instincts, which is in stark contrast to the dog’s instincts.
The final moments of the story
The final moments of the story are tense, as the man realizes that he is unlikely to survive. He tries to start a fire, but his efforts are in vain. The dog watches him intently, and at this point, the man realizes the significance of the dog’s presence. The man’s final thoughts are about the dog, and he wishes that the dog could have a better life than him.
The dog’s actions
The dog’s actions in the final moments of the story are critical. After watching the man’s futile attempts to start a fire, the dog realizes that their survival is unlikely. The dog then makes a decision to leave the man and find other sources of food and warmth. This decision is a reflection of the dog’s survival instincts and his ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of the wilderness.
The significance of the dog’s actions
The dog’s actions in the final moments of the story are significant as they reflect the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. The dog’s decision to leave the man is a clear indication that survival is the primary instinct in the wilderness. The dog’s loyalty to the man is superseded by his need to survive, and this is a reflection of the harsh conditions of the wilderness.
The dog’s fate
The fate of the dog is left ambiguous in the story. The dog’s decision to leave the man is a clear indication that he is likely to survive, but the story does not provide any details about his fate. The ambiguity of the dog’s fate is a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness, where survival is uncertain.
The ambiguity of the ending
The ambiguity of the ending is a reflection of the theme of naturalism in the story. The story does not provide a clear resolution to the man’s fate or the dog’s fate, but instead, leaves it to the reader’s interpretation. The ambiguity of the ending is a reflection of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness, where survival is uncertain and death is a constant possibility.
Interpretations of the ending
The ending of the story has been interpreted in several ways. Some readers speculate that the dog survives and finds a new owner, while others believe that the dog dies shortly after leaving the man. The ambiguity of the ending allows for multiple interpretations, and each interpretation reflects the reader’s understanding of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness.
Conclusion
"To Build a Fire" is a classic example of naturalism, which reflects the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. The story highlights the importance of survival instincts and the consequences of ignoring warnings and advice. The fate of the dog at the end of the story is left ambiguous, which allows for multiple interpretations. The story is a reminder of the harsh realities of life in the wilderness and the importance of adapting to the environment.