StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Man in To Build a Fire - Book Report/Review Example

Cite this document
Summary
This research presents how the character of a person determines the course of his life and brings him his doom in the story “To Build a Fire”. The story is a classic example of how an author can use characterization as a most effective literary device in the narration of a story…
Download free paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER96.4% of users find it useful
The Man in To Build a Fire
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Man in To Build a Fire"

The Man in To Build a Fire Jack London's short story, To Build a Fire, can be seen as a ic example of how an can use characterization as a most effective literary device in the narration of a story. This short story tells the saga of an unnamed man, who becomes obsessed with the idea of traveling to a camp by negotiating nine miles under frozen weather conditions in an area where he is only a chechaquo. Pitting the protagonist against the raw power of nature, London reveals the frailty of humans, who, ensconced within the illusionary sheath of their knowledge, ignore their instincts and fail to appreciate nature's might, at the peril of their lives. This essential vanity and the recklessness of human nature, which reflect in the protagonist's character, bring him his doom. He cannot fathom the severity of the extreme cold conditions in the area, nor does he foresee how savage nature can become at times. Though new to the place, the man simply ignores the advice of the old-timer of Sulphur Creek. Unable to survive in the harsh weather condition, he finally freezes to death; a helpless prey to the savageness of nature. The story reveals how the character of a person determines the course of his life and brings him his doom. From the brief episodes in the story, it becomes obvious that the protagonist is a vane person who possesses knowledge only on a superficial level. He appears to be devoid of wisdom and the ability to apply the knowledge for practical purposes in his life. He knows that the temperature in the area, in which he is traveling, drops to 50 degrees below freezing point; yet he lacks the imagination to know what its true implications can be. To exemplify the man's lack of understanding of the cold conditions, the author contrasts his character with that of the dog, which senses the severity of the cold purely by its natural instincts. The man, because of his ignorance, was "quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances." (London, 1908). The author, by this observation, attempts to portray a character who is intelligent only on a surface level; a man who possesses some knowledge, but necessarily lacks the wisdom to understand things in their correct perspective. This lacking is further emphasized in the statement, "it did not lead him to meditate upon his frailty as a creature of temperature" (London, 1908). Again, by contrasting the protagonist's character with the dog, whose "instinct told it a truer tale than was told to the man by the man's judgment" (London, 1908), London seeks to expose the vanity of the character who, despite all his pretentions of knowledge and valor, fails to understand nature and his surroundings which prompts him go to the camp, without a companion, in weather conditions that have practically dropped 75 degrees below freezing point, and embraces a tragic death. London's diligence in characterization demonstrates itself in the protagonist's struggle for survival. Though not endowed well with the faculty of wisdom, the man seems to be determined in his fight against nature's brutality. Humans with will power possess an inherent potential to confront calamities and they do their best to overcome the turmoil due to their urge to survive. This quality does exist in the protagonist as illustrated by his actions throughout the story, especially after his limbs and fingers become numb. He doesn't spend time lamenting over his follies; instead he embarks on a series of action to attain his goal. Despite all the extremely adverse conditions, he "was busy all the time He made a new foundation for a fire" (London, 1908). This shows that the protagonist is not a person who gives up easily. The man possesses an admirable sense of purpose in the manner in which he orchestrates his actions to light the fire. When he becomes unable to light the match due to numbness in his fingers, he devises another way by picking up the match "in his teeth and scratching it on his leg," and makes twenty attempts before finding success. (London, 1908). He even harbors a though that he can slit the dog's belly and seek the warmth of its blood. This, though an act of cruelty to the animal which can be termed as treachery, derives from the protagonist's deep yearning to escape the savage cold that torments him. In spite of his irrational conduct throughout the story, he is driven by an instinct to survive and does his best to succeed in his quest. The final scene, when the man embraces his death with honor, is another episode where the author's craftsmanship in creating well-rounded characters becomes conspicuous. Attempt after desperate attempt, the protagonist realizes that he doesn't stand a chance to win the fight against Mother Nature. As the last resort he has tried running towards the camp, hoping the exercise will render some warmth to his frozen body; but exhaustion takes over and he slumps to the ground. At that moment he understands that even if he keeps running he won't make it to the camp and instead will freeze to death. Thus, he decides to entertain "the conception of meeting death with dignity." (London, 1908). Also, ironically, the simile that runs through his mind about him is that of "running around like a chicken with its head cut off." (London, 1908). This indicates that he takes his death as natural; he doesn't lament, nor does he regret. Thus, finally he finds his peace. Also, in what is the only semblance in the story to a dialogue, the man muses that the old-timer of Sulphur Creek was right. Thus, the protagonist sees reason and accepts his folly of not listening to an older person who knows more about the region and its climate. This reconciliation indicates the element of good in the protagonist and makes him an honorable man before his death. All in all, the protagonist's character can be discerned as a person who possesses necessary knowledge but is devoid of the merit of true wisdom, which preempts him from listening to reason. He lands himself in trouble due to his ignorance. Later on in the story, he emerges as a determined person who keeps fighting against all odds for his survival. The hidden virtues in him come to fore when he finally reconciles, accepts his fate and finds his peace. By portraying a multi-dimensional character like the protagonist, the author proves that every human has some inherent positive qualities in him or her. Works Cited London, Jack. To Build a Fire. The Century Magazine. V.76. Aug. 1908. 19 Mar. 2008. . Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“The Man in To Build a Fire Book Report/Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1”, n.d.)
The Man in To Build a Fire Book Report/Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/literature/1514454-to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london
(The Man in To Build a Fire Book Report/Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words - 1)
The Man in To Build a Fire Book Report/Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words - 1. https://studentshare.org/literature/1514454-to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london.
“The Man in To Build a Fire Book Report/Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 Words - 1”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/literature/1514454-to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Man in To Build a Fire

The victim: an analysis of the man's character in to build a fire by Jack London

After reading Jack London's riveting story "to build a fire," one may ask the following questions: Did the character essentially commit suicide by deciding to engage in such a dangerous expedition all by himself despite warnings Or was he simply a victim of his own stubbornness, recklessness, ignorance, and ill judgment through and through … It's easier to conclude that the man has suicidal tendencies to start with since he decided to go on in a journey that would put him in harm's way....
3 Pages (750 words) Book Report/Review

Fires in the built environment

After almost being destroyed by unruly conflagrations, Rome created a fire department consisting of about 7,000 paid fire fighters.... He was full of praise for the fire fighters who he considered to be his "extended family" and very proud to be a fire fighter.... is most vivid memory during his time as a fire fighter was when he was on night duty almost 10 years ago.... It was during a night shift that a "shout" was received reporting a fire in...
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

The Characteristics of the Man in Jack Londons To Build a Fire

This research is being carried out to evaluate and present the characteristics of the man in “to build a fire” written by Jack London.... The story “to build a fire” is the product of the author's thriving experiences in the sub-polar area of Alaska.... hellip; The conclusion from this study states that the man's disregard to build a fire at the end of the novel can best be realized as his recognition of the superiority of nature....
2 Pages (500 words) Book Report/Review

Constructing Burj Al Arab

The Shaikh had two choices either to keep selling oil and wait till it runs out and then go ask for help, or invest in their people, institutions and build a business.... hellip; Burj al Arab is a luxury hotel constructed on a man-made island.... This coursework "Constructing Burj Al Arab" focuses on the great structure known as the Burj al Arab that is exactly the example that speaks volumes about the builder's taste....
13 Pages (3250 words) Coursework

The Industrial Fire in European Community

Which are some of the policies put by the national or local governments in fighting a fire in this region?... A break up of a fire calamity is always a possibility due to the man-made failures and more so in the industrial areas and in homes.... For this to be, there are some aspects for consideration when coming up with the mechanisms for fighting a fire or for preparedness: ability to comply with the international existing emergency plans and for monitoring, be up to date with the latest international trends to combating fire, effective, smooth and efficient international team working as well as having a strong framework to responding to emergency calls to combat a fire break up....
12 Pages (3000 words) Literature review

Game Concept and Design Document: JetFighter

The back ground is black representing the dark sky with stars dotting the back ground to help build a spaced out feeling that further enhances the physical immersion.... Since most of the game success comes from dodging and shooting, quick reflexes and good hand eye coordination put together will help create the physical immersion the game creator aimed to build while developing this game.... It is high paced to build the excitement level of the player....
14 Pages (3500 words) Essay

Fires in the Built Environment - Gothenburg Dance Hall Fire

Part 2 evaluates the construction method and materials that may be used to build a 20-storey eco-friendly hotel in Cardiff, possible fire safety design, and recommendations for the development of sustainable buildings in the United Kingdom.... Part – 1 Gothenburg Dance Hall Fire Background On October 28, 1998, a fire occurred in a nightclub in Gothenburg, Sweden and killing around 63 out of 400 people dancing in a crowded dance hall.... The paper "Fires in the Built Environment - Gothenburg Dance Hall fire" outlines that fires in the built environment can be very destructive if not detected and suppress earlier thus it is of great importance to analyze and discuss fire safety issues associated with previous fire incidents....
10 Pages (2500 words) Case Study

Fire and the Built Environment

Therefore, a fire strategy is developed in the design stage by professional designers like the engineers as well as architects, with the permission of the fire authority with the goal of meeting the fire safety business and regulatory requirements.... When a fire starts in the building, the building owner or the occupants are required to call the fire and rescue service (FRS) so as to fight the fire.... Case One - Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire, United StatesOn 28th May 1977 a fire broke out at Beverly Hills Supper Club, wherein over 2,400 people were attending various functions....
9 Pages (2250 words) Assignment
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us