El Mehdi Bennys Apogee : 15022473 Jack London's "To Build a Fire" classified under naturalism and realism. The story unfolds the illfated journey of an unnamed man and his loyal Husky, showcasing the consequence of human arrogance against the power of natural world. The setting took place in the brutal backdrop of the Yukon during the post-Gold Rush era. This setting prepares the readers for the unfolding struggle between the man and the unforgiving nature of Yukon. The story underscores that humans are subject to the laws of nature. Small errors, depicted through breaking the ice and a poorly chosen fire location, led to catastrophic consequences. After reading the story, we can sense the fragility of human existence in the face of nature's indifference. The harsh Yukon landscape, introduced in the first two paragraphs, is not merely a backdrop but a character, shaping the destiny of the protagonist. Man’s character embodies the limits of self-reliance and the consequences of ignoring the wisdom of those attuned to nature. The dog, a native husky, becomes a symbol of animal instinct and a bridge between humans and the natural world. It reflects the story's central theme of survival depending on companionship. Therefore, man’s rejection of potential companionship led to his demise. The story employs irony as a tool of fate, man’s effort to build a fire for warmth results in its extinguishment by falling snow, revealing the cruel irony of his situation. The story explores the conflict between instinct and reasoning using the dog as a symbol of the natural world’s connection to humanity. "To Build a Fire" serves as a cautionary tale that invites readers to reflect on balance between human endeavors and the power of the natural world. The omniscient narrator critiques the man’s limited understanding of the Yukon's dangers. Jack London blames the man for his dilemma but shows more sympathy towards the dog, a creature caught in the service of a cruel owner. Ultimately, both man and dog are left to their fates, El Mehdi Bennys Apogee : 15022473 highlighting the indifferent nature of the Yukon and the consequences of challenging its unbeatable power.
