illustration fo a man in winter clothes lying on the snow under a tree with a dog standing near him

To Build a Fire

by Jack London

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Themes: The Cost of Masculinity

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Although only briefly mentioned, ideas of masculinity play an important role in the story. They shape the man’s attitude towards the decisions he faces, and they inform his inflated perception of his own abilities. For example, his belief that “any man who was a man could travel alone” is shaped by his internalized understanding of what a man should be capable of. It is the standard against which he holds himself and his decisions; it is also arguably what leads to his demise. The man’s sense of superiority when he “saves” himself highlights the extent to which ideas of masculinity shape his view of the world:

Well, here he was; he had had the accident; he was alone; and he had saved himself. Those old-timers were rather womanish, some of them, he thought. All a man must do was to keep his head, and he was all right.

London’s own experiences as part of the Klondike Gold Rush informed “To Build a Fire.” As the majority of the prospectors were male, the region took on an extremely imbalanced gender dynamic. The protagonist’s attitude toward masculinity in the story is typical of the Gold Rush era, wherein men were expected to be self-sufficient adventurers who were capable of surviving in harsh conditions. In calling the old man who tries to warn him “womanish,” the protagonist demonstrates a belief that relying on others for help, even in extreme conditions, is unmasculine. It is because of this belief that the man fails to take so many of the dangers he faces seriously. 

Expert Q&A

How does the man's attitude change in "To Build a Fire" as death approaches?

As death approaches, the man's attitude shifts from calm determination to panic and finally to acceptance. Initially, he remains composed, believing he can relight the fire. However, as his efforts fail and panic sets in, he runs wildly. Eventually, he calms himself, realizing his fate is unavoidable. Accepting death with dignity, he separates his mind from his body, contemplating his mortality and acknowledging the wisdom of the old man from Sulphur Creek.

In Jack London's "To Build a Fire," is the protagonist a code hero?

The protagonist in Jack London's "To Build a Fire" is not a code hero. He remains nameless, symbolizing his lack of heroic qualities, and displays arrogance toward nature, underestimating its power. His ignorance and failure to heed warnings lead to his demise, contrasting with the dog's awareness and respect for nature. This lack of respect and understanding ultimately disqualifies him from being considered a hero.

The man's fatal flaw in "To Build a Fire"

The man's fatal flaw in "To Build a Fire" is his arrogance and overconfidence. He underestimates the harshness of the Yukon environment and ignores the advice of more experienced individuals, leading to his eventual demise in the extreme cold.

The impact of excessive pride on the man's survival in Jack London's "To Build A Fire"

In Jack London's "To Build A Fire," the man's excessive pride leads to his downfall. His overconfidence in his abilities and disregard for the advice of more experienced individuals result in fatal mistakes in the harsh wilderness, ultimately causing his death.

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