Final answer:
Jack London's story 'To Build a Fire' exemplifies naturalistic themes, contrasting the instincts of a dog with the protagonist's human failings in harsh environmental conditions, highlighting the theme of survival of the fittest in a naturalistically indifferent universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of survival of the fittest in naturalism is exemplified by the works of Jack London, particularly in his well-known story 'To Build a Fire'. In naturalistic literature, which includes writings of Stephen Crane, Frank Norris, and Jack London, characters often find themselves in conflict with nature, highlighting an indifferent or hostile universe. In Jack London's stories, we see a vivid portrayal of this struggle through the stark, unforgiving landscapes that test his characters to their limits. His characters are not glamorized heroes but are depicted as individuals whose traits and survival are determined by their instincts and environmental constraints.
In the story 'To Build a Fire', these themes emerge clearly. The protagonist, referred to simply as 'the man', is accompanied by a dog as he faces the extreme cold of the Yukon. London contrasts the man's lack of survival instinct against the natural instincts of the wolf-dog, highlighting the man's disconnect from his environment and his ultimate downfall. The dog understands the danger of the cold through instinct, while the man, driven by arrogance and ignorance, overlooks the signs that suggest his vulnerability. As the story progresses, London shows the inability of the man to adapt to his environment, which leads to his decline, a common plotline in naturalistic fiction known as the plot of decline.
Overall, London's work reveals a harsh view of reality where nature does not accommodate human weakness, and those who are unable to adapt are unlikely to survive. The elements of realism in naturalistic works present characters who are often dominated by their environment, hereditary traits, and social circumstances, driving home the harsh lessons of nature's indifference to human struggles.