Final answer:
In 'To Build a Fire,' the resolution signifies the protagonist's tragic fate as he succumbs to the harsh Yukon wilderness, reflecting on ignored advice that could have saved him.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the resolution of Jack London's “To Build a Fire,” the protagonist faces a tragic fate. This is not merely speculation as the conclusion of the story explicitly reveals the outcome of the protagonist's struggle against the harsh, cold wilderness. The resolution which occurs after the climax and falling action where tension lessens, offers a conclusive end to the main conflict.
The conflict between the man and the natural forces of the cold Yukon territory is resolved when the man succumbs to the freezing temperature after failing to build a sustaining fire. This resolution is not a glimpse into an ongoing future but a defining end to the protagonist's life. London writes, “The old-timer on Sulphur Creek was right, he thought in the moment of controlled despair that ensued: after fifty below, a man should travel with a partner.” Here, the protagonist reflects on the advice he previously ignored, which has now led to his downfall, illustrating how a different turn of the plot, namely heeding experienced advice, could have prevented his tragic fate.