Introduction
The essay provides a great interpretation of the story To Build a Fire by Jack London, focusing on nature’s indifference and human overconfidence. As described in the paper, nature is unpredictable and untamable, which is also a source of its power over people. The essay starts with an exciting hook that discusses natural disasters, highlighting the meaning behind this term and the randomness of such events. This is a point that can also be emphasized in the story – man’s fight against nature is guided by decision-making and logic, while nature’s behavior cannot be predicted at all points.
Discussion
Thus, one may also present a theme of chance in opposition to judgment. On the one hand, the nature in the story follows its own logic. On the other, a human’s brain also succumbs to certain logical fallacies that endanger their lives. In the story, the man falls victim to his brazen neglect of the advice of more experienced hikers, and his faulty thinking cannot compete with the true unpredictability of life.
Another interesting point would be to contrast the relationship between man and nature and man and his pet. While nature cannot be tamed to follow man’s orders, the dog behaves as a companion to the protagonist while also needing him for survival. When the man tries to kill the dog, the animal runs from him, yet it stays near the human to observe and wait if the man would build a fire or find shelter. The dog’s behavior can be interpreted as instinctual and the opposite of the man’s logic, further highlighting the animal’s connection to nature and the man’s separation from it.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the discussion of naturalism in the essay is covered in great detail, providing a meaningful narrative about the main character’s realization of past mistakes. The review of the whole story analyzes the parts separately to arrive at a single conclusion, which shows how the view of nature evolves through the protagonist’s perspective. The quotes supporting the central theme present a clear picture of what London was likely hoping to show.