To Build a Fire Analysis
Dillan Graham
Professor Polnac
ENGL 1302
25 July 2013
Short Story Analysis
The short story by Jack London, “To Build a Fire” is a about a newcomer to the Yukon Territory, and his journey as he travels the Yukon Trail with his wolf-dog, to meet his friends at an old claim. The passage along the little-traveled trail was through the spruce timberland. He began the trek at nine o’clock, and was expected to reach his destination around six o’clock. According to the narrator, the newcomer was alert and quick, but he had no imagination or understanding of the significance of the environment in which he traveled. An old timer back in Sulphur Creek shared with the newcomer that no one should pass through the Klondike alone when the temperature was fifty degrees below zero. He ventured out on his own with no consideration of the old timer’s advice. His trustworthy dog followed along, but he seemed to have more natural instinct than his master. The dog seemed confused to why he was traveling in such extreme weather. It was by instinct that the dog had a knowing that the temperature was well below fifty degrees below zero. The newcomer realized the temperature was below fifty degrees below zero when his spittle began freezing in the air before it hit the ground. Despite this, the newcomer believed that he would be able to endure the cold of the Yukon Territory and make it to his destination. The newcomer successfully built a fire to warm himself while he ate his lunch. Encouraged by his accomplishments thus far in the journey, he contemplates the next component as he slogs along the trail. He reminds himself to watch out for soft patches which would be very dangerous in this freezing weather. Counting down the hours until he reaches Henderson Creek, the newcomer encounters the misfortune of stepping into a soft spot. This accident caused his feet to freeze, which made it necessary for a fire to be built in order to dry out his shoes and socks so that the
Professor Polnac
ENGL 1302
25 July 2013
Short Story Analysis
The short story by Jack London, “To Build a Fire” is a about a newcomer to the Yukon Territory, and his journey as he travels the Yukon Trail with his wolf-dog, to meet his friends at an old claim. The passage along the little-traveled trail was through the spruce timberland. He began the trek at nine o’clock, and was expected to reach his destination around six o’clock. According to the narrator, the newcomer was alert and quick, but he had no imagination or understanding of the significance of the environment in which he traveled. An old timer back in Sulphur Creek shared with the newcomer that no one should pass through the Klondike alone when the temperature was fifty degrees below zero. He ventured out on his own with no consideration of the old timer’s advice. His trustworthy dog followed along, but he seemed to have more natural instinct than his master. The dog seemed confused to why he was traveling in such extreme weather. It was by instinct that the dog had a knowing that the temperature was well below fifty degrees below zero. The newcomer realized the temperature was below fifty degrees below zero when his spittle began freezing in the air before it hit the ground. Despite this, the newcomer believed that he would be able to endure the cold of the Yukon Territory and make it to his destination. The newcomer successfully built a fire to warm himself while he ate his lunch. Encouraged by his accomplishments thus far in the journey, he contemplates the next component as he slogs along the trail. He reminds himself to watch out for soft patches which would be very dangerous in this freezing weather. Counting down the hours until he reaches Henderson Creek, the newcomer encounters the misfortune of stepping into a soft spot. This accident caused his feet to freeze, which made it necessary for a fire to be built in order to dry out his shoes and socks so that the