Question

What is a theme present in the story “To Build a Fire”? Write a paragraph explaining how Jack London uses character development, conflict, or setting to communicate the theme you have identified

Answer 1

In these paragraphs, the man realizes that building a fire will aid his survival. The man also realizes that time is not on his side. His overconfidence and lack of care for the temperature have now transformed to frustration as he struggles to build a fire. With his desire to stay warm and survive heightened, he now becomes like the dog, assessing environment and recalling ways to stay alive—his instincts are kicking in. The reader can begin to see the importance of respecting nature and that man cannot underestimate or conquer it.

Explanation: PLATO

Answer 2

A possible theme would be to heed the advice given by those wiser or more experienced then you. London uses conflict to communicate this when the man is starting to freeze to death. The conflict is between the main character and nature as he try’s to survive the freezing temperatures that he was warned about going into in the beginning, which he ignored.