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“To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Analysis

“To Build a Fire” by Jack London, a short story first published in 1908, has become one of his most renowned works.

Introduction: “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Table of Contents

“To Build a Fire” by Jack London , a short story first published in 1908, has become one of his most renowned works. The tale’s popularity has endured since its debut, with translations into numerous languages and adaptations across various mediums by filmmakers and television producers. London masterfully depicts the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, building tension and suspense throughout the narrative. The story’s allure stems from its vivid portrayal of nature and its examination of human resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Main Events in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• A man sets out in extreme cold: A newcomer to the Yukon, lacking experience with extreme cold, travels alone with his dog on a day when temperatures are far below zero. He ignores advice from an experienced man at Sulphur Creek, who warns him against traveling alone in such conditions.
• The man ignores warning signs: He dismisses the initial cold, fails to heed the subtle signs of danger like spit freezing in the air, and even scoffs at the idea that anyone could freeze to death in such temperatures.
• A hidden danger: The man confidently navigates until he misjudges a hidden spring beneath the snow, plunging his feet into freezing water that quickly soaks his boots and socks.
• The struggle to build a fire: Recognizing the immediate danger, he carefully selects a sheltered spot beneath a spruce tree and sets about building a fire to dry his feet and stave off death.
• Failure and panic: Snow cascading from the tree’s branches smothers his first fire. Fear intensifies as he realizes the severity of his situation.
• A second attempt: Driven by increasing desperation, he gathers more wood and tinder, meticulously placing them to build his second fire.
• Challenges mount: His severely frozen hands, now lacking any feeling, fumble with the matches and struggle to grasp small twigs to fuel the fire.
• A sense of doom: As his final fire falters, a wave of overwhelming dread washes over him, and he understands that he may not survive.
• A shift toward instinct: He imagines killing his dog and using its warm body for shelter, a desperate survival tactic he had heard about, but ultimately cannot bring himself to do it.
• Acceptance and death: Overcome by the cold and despair, the man gives up his struggle, envisioning his own frozen body discovered by his friends. He drifts into unconsciousness and dies.

Literary Devices in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

1. Imagery : London uses vivid sensory details to bring the Yukon’s harsh environment to life.

• “…the Yukon lay a mile wide and hidden under three feet of ice. On top of this ice were as many feet of snow.”

2. Personification : Nature is often given human-like qualities, reinforcing its power and indifference.

• “The cold of space smote the unprotected tip of the planet…”

3. Symbolism : Key elements take on deeper meanings.

• Fire: Represents survival, hope, struggle against nature
• The Dog: Embodies instinct and a contrasting survival strategy

4. Foreshadowing : Hints of the man’s fate are scattered throughout.

• The old-timer at Sulphur Creek’s warnings about the danger of the extreme cold.

5. Dramatic Irony : Readers know the peril the man remains blind to, increasing tension.

• “He was a newcomer in the land… and he did not understand how seriously low temperatures could be.”

6. Situational Irony : The outcome clashes with expectations, emphasizing nature’s power.

• The man’s meticulous second fire fails despite being better planned than his first.

7. Simile : Creative comparisons enhance descriptions.

• “The old-timer had been very serious in laying down the law that no man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below.”

8. Metaphor : Implied comparisons add depth and meaning. * “The dog… was a furry ball of instinct…”

9. Naturalism : The story emphasizes humanity’s vulnerability to nature’s forces.

• The man’s intellect fails in the face of brutal, unforgiving elements.

10. Contrast: Differences highlight character and theme. * The man’s overconfidence vs. the dog’s wariness * The man’s intellect vs. the dog’s instinct

11. Juxtaposition : Placing elements side-by-side creates contrast * The cozy images of camp life are juxtaposed with the man’s exposed, solitary journey.

12. Diction : Word choice builds atmosphere and theme. * “It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an intangible pall over the face of things…”

13. Tone : Bleak and increasingly ominous as the story progresses, mirrors the protagonist’s situation.

14. Mood : A sense of dread and foreboding permeates the narrative.

15. Allusion : Subtle reference strengthens meaning and theme. * London alludes to Mercury, the Roman god of travel, commenting on the irony of moving so fast with frozen feet.

Characterization in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Major Themes in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• The man’s struggle against the unforgiving Yukon wilderness.
• His vulnerability against the overwhelming power of natural forces (extreme cold, hidden dangers).
• The man’s dismissal of the old-timer’s warnings and his underestimation of the cold.
• His overconfidence and lack of understanding of the environment’s dangers directly lead to his demise.
• The contrast between the man’s reliance on logic and the dog’s instinctual understanding of the danger.
• The man’s intellect fails him; survival in the wilderness might have been possible with a more instinctual response.
• The delicate balance required for survival in extreme conditions.
• The stark reality that one misstep can have fatal consequences.
• The man’s solitary journey emphasizes his lack of support and resources.
• The dog’s presence provides minimal companionship but also highlights what the man lacks – a human connection that might have influenced his journey and decisions.

Writing Style in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• Objective, observational tone, focused on external actions and events.
• Example: “The man plunged into the big creek, and he went down to his knees.”
• Minimalist descriptions and straightforward sentences emphasize the bleak environment.
• Example: “The Yukon lay…hidden under three feet of ice. On top of this ice were as many feet of snow.”
• Specific sensory details bring the Yukon wilderness to life.
• Example: “…the whole face of Nature seemed to be trying to obliterate itself.”
• Careful word choice creates a strong sense of foreboding and isolation.
• Example: “It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an intangible pall over the face of things…”
• Repeated descriptions of the cold and numbness, emphasize their relentless impact.
• Example: “[His] feet were freezing…,” “[His] nose and cheeks were already freezing…”
• Subtle hints at the man’s fate increase tension.
• Example: The old-timer warning the man against traveling alone in such cold.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Note: This is just a sampling! There are other theories that could be applied (e.g., Marxist, psychological, feminist).

Questions and Thesis Statements about “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• Choose a question that interests you: The best thesis statements come from genuine curiosity.
• Be specific in your thesis: A focused thesis leads to a stronger paper.
• Link your thesis to evidence: Be prepared to cite examples from the story supporting your argument.

Short Question-Answer about “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

• The title “To Build a Fire” highlights the central theme of man versus nature. The man’s initial success building a fire to warm himself represents survival. His subsequent failure to maintain a fire, ultimately leading to his demise, emphasizes the harsh reality of the natural world and the importance of human preparation and adaptation in the face of nature’s power.
• The man and the dog have a complicated relationship in the story. While the man initially views the dog as a mere tool for survival (possibly sensing warmth), the dog seems to sense danger and discomfort with the journey. Their relationship demonstrates the contrast between the man’s arrogance and reliance on intellect, and the dog’s instinct and wariness of the environment.
• The extreme cold, harsh weather conditions, and unforgiving landscape contribute to the bleak, hopeless, and fatalistic tone. Specific details like “…the Yukon lay a mile wide and hidden under three feet of ice. On top of this ice were as many feet of snow…” convey the isolation and danger, emphasizing the fragility of human life in the face of nature’s power.
• The man’s lack of imagination, directly noted by London (“He was a newcomer in the land…and this was his first winter. The trouble with him was that he was without imagination.”), emphasizes his inability to adapt to his surroundings. It highlights the limitations of knowledge and technology against nature’s power. His reliance on judgment and logic fails him; he disregards the old-timer’s warnings and even his body’s signals, leading to his underestimation of the weather’s severity and his lack of preparation.

Suggested Readings: “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Literary analysis & criticism.

• Focuses on survival in London’s works, including “To Build a Fire”.
• Explores recurring themes and techniques across London’s short stories.
• Provides a helpful overview of Naturalism and its key themes.
• Considered a classic scholarly work on American literary Naturalism.
• Brief summary and analysis of the story.
• Extensive website with biographical information, resources, and links to other relevant sites

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — To Build a Fire

Essays on To Build a Fire

“to build a fire” essay, types of "to build a fire" essays:.

• Character Analysis: This type of essay focuses on analyzing the main character in the story and their personality traits, motivations, and actions.
• Literary Analysis: A literary analysis essay explores the literary devices used in the story, such as symbolism, imagery, and foreshadowing.
• Theme Analysis: This type of essay examines the major themes of the story, including the struggle between man and nature, the power of instinct over reason, and the inevitability of death.

Character Analysis Essay

• Choose a character: Start by choosing the character you want to analyze. It can be the protagonist or any other character that interests you.
• Gather evidence: Read the story carefully and take notes on the character's actions, dialogue, and thoughts. This will help you gather evidence to support your analysis.
• Identify traits: Identify the character's personality traits, including their strengths and weaknesses. Consider how these traits affect their behavior and decisions.
• Provide evidence: Use direct quotes and specific examples from the story to support your analysis. This will help you make a strong argument and convince your reader.
• Discuss the impact: Consider the character's impact on the story and the other characters. How do they shape the plot and the other characters' actions?

Literary Analysis Essay

• Start by reading the story carefully and taking notes on the literary elements you observe. Pay attention to the story's setting, characters, themes, and symbols.
• Choose a specific literary element to focus on in your essay. For example, you might choose to analyze how the story's setting contributes to the overall tone and mood of the story.
• Use evidence from the text to support your analysis. Look for specific quotes or examples from the story that illustrate the literary element you are discussing.
• Consider the historical and cultural context in which the story was written. How might the author's experiences and worldview have influenced the story?
• Avoid simply summarizing the story or retelling the plot. Instead, focus on analyzing how the literary elements work together to create meaning.

Theme Analysis Essay

• Read the story several times: Before starting to write, it is crucial to understand the plot and the elements that contribute to the theme. Take notes on the characters, setting, and events that contribute to the theme.
• Identify the theme: Analyze the story's plot and characters to determine the central message or theme. The theme may be implicit, so look for patterns and repeated ideas in the story.
• Develop a thesis statement: Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main idea of the essay and the argument you will be making.
• Use evidence from the story: To support your argument, use direct quotes and examples from the story. Analyze how these examples contribute to the development of the theme.
• Provide context: Discuss the historical and cultural context of the story to provide a deeper understanding of the theme and how it relates to the time period in which the story was written.
• Edit and revise: Once the essay is written, take the time to edit and revise for clarity, coherence, and organization. Ensure that each paragraph supports the thesis statement and that the essay flows logically.

Tips for Choosing a "To Build a Fire" Essay Topic:

• Look for a unique angle: Instead of writing about a common topic, try to find a unique angle to explore. For example, you could focus on how the story portrays the relationship between humans and animals.
• Use quotes: Incorporating quotes from the story can help support your argument and add depth to your analysis.
• Consider the historical context: Jack London wrote "To Build a Fire" during the Klondike Gold Rush, and the story reflects the harsh conditions faced by prospectors during this time. Consider how the historical context influences the story's themes and message.

Prompt Examples for "To Build a Fire" Essays

The theme of survival.

Discuss the theme of survival in "To Build a Fire." Analyze the protagonist's struggle for survival in the harsh Yukon wilderness. What obstacles does he face, and how does he attempt to overcome them? Explore the significance of nature as an antagonist in the story.

The Power of Instinct vs. Intellect

Examine the conflict between instinct and intellect in the story. Discuss the protagonist's reliance on reason and his dog's reliance on instinct. How do these contrasting approaches to survival affect the outcome of the narrative?

Nature as a Character

Explore the role of nature as a character in "To Build a Fire." Analyze how nature is personified and how it interacts with the protagonist throughout the story. Discuss the story's portrayal of the Yukon environment and its impact on the characters.

The Use of Foreshadowing

Analyze the author's use of foreshadowing in the narrative. Discuss how the story hints at the protagonist's fate through foreshadowing. Explore the effectiveness of this literary device in building tension and suspense.

The Significance of the Man's Hubris

Discuss the protagonist's overconfidence and hubris as significant elements in the story. How does his belief in his own abilities contribute to his downfall? Analyze the consequences of his arrogance in the face of nature's power.

The Symbolism of Fire

Examine the symbolism of fire in "To Build a Fire." Discuss how fire represents warmth, life, and survival in the wilderness. Analyze the protagonist's relationship with fire and how it evolves throughout the story.

The Role of the Dog

Explore the role of the dog in the story. Discuss how the dog serves as a contrast to the protagonist and as a symbol of instinctual wisdom. Analyze the dog's actions and reactions throughout the narrative.

The Man vs. Nature Trope

Discuss the recurring "man vs. nature" trope in literature and how it is exemplified in "To Build a Fire." Analyze how this theme has been explored in other literary works and how Jack London's story contributes to this theme.

The Narrative's Setting

Examine the significance of the story's setting in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Discuss how the historical and geographical context adds depth to the narrative. Analyze how the setting influences the characters and their actions.

The Impact of Isolation

Analyze the theme of isolation in "To Build a Fire." Discuss how the protagonist's isolation in the wilderness contributes to his perilous situation. Explore the psychological and emotional effects of isolation on the character.

Naturalism in Jack London's "To Build a Fire"

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The Theme of Existentialism in to Build a Fire by Jack London

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Fighting Nature: Animalistic Instinct in Jack London’s "To Build a Fire"

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Nature and Humans in The Short Stories of Jack London and Henry David Thoreau

To build a fire by jack london, jack london's short story to build a fire.

Jack London

Adventure, short story

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To Build A Fire Essay Sample

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Pets , Nature , Fire , Dog , England , Thinking , Literature , London

Words: 1200

Published: 02/09/2020

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Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire" tells the tale of a man and his dog, who attempt to survive in the Yukon. The harsh weather soon leaves them stranded, leaving them to take different methods to keep themselves alive. The attempt to build a fire takes up the majority of the story, as the man attempts to keep himself warm. The conflict between instinct and logic is told through symbolism and metaphor; the protagonist learns all too well that relying on logic is foolhardy, and that instinct must also be a component to his survival. Nature is shown to be an incredibly heartless and unfeeling entity – something to survive rather than work with. In this way, “To Build a Fire” is about the relationship between man and the natural world, and how his own acclimation to civilization has prevented him from learning how to survive. The protagonist is a man of logic, experiencing his first winter in the Yukon; he does not have any practical experience in the rough terrain of that area, and so he is operating by his own deductive reasoning, and not through memory. The man is incredibly stubborn; he refuses the old man's advice to not go alone throughout the Klondike, as he feels he can make it on his own. The man is also irresponsible, risking the fire that he creates several times for the sake of small details or his own quirks. The first time, he shortsightedly pulls at branches and leaves in order to keep a fire going under a pine tree, but that brings snow down upon it. Next, he risks all of his matches to create the fire, but then picks at a piece of moss and puts out the fire. All of these actions are borne of desperation, and eventually lead to his untimely demise. With this main character, London explores the relationship between man and nature – the omniscient narrator in the work allows us to understand the mistakes the man makes (such as going out in the cold in the first place), as well as see the consequences of these mistakes. Here, nature is shown to be a cold, unfeeling creature, as it gives him no quarter for his errors – every mistake he makes sets him back further and lessens his chances for survival. What is perhaps most significant is the man’s inability to fully recognize the danger he is in; it is not until his fire is extinguished that he starts to truly become worried: "It was as though he had just heard his own sentence of death” (London, 1902). The man is representative of London’s treatment of human hubris; he believes he can easily navigate nature, but the short story and the storm itself prove him quite wrong. The dog, on the other hand, was a creature of instinct, as he simply relied on what he felt to be true about surviving in the Yukon. Here, the man’s wolf dog is the other half of the equation; he is a "big native husky, the proper wolf dog, gray-coated and without any visible or temperamental difference from its brother the wild wolf" (London, 1902). The dog itself is almost a spiritual creature, as it is much more in tune with nature, and its successes highlight the man’s failures. The dog is patient and loyal, always sticking with the man no matter what foolish decisions he makes. The dog's own preparedness for the environment makes it much more likely to survive; it has a wonderful sense of smell, and can naturally stand colder weather much better than the man can. As loyal as the dog is, it knows exactly when to give up; right when it knows the man is going to die, it heads "in the direction of the camp it knew, where were the other food-providers and fire-providers" (London, 1902). The dog is part of nature still, and as such it is just as indifferent to the man as the elements are. All through the story, the dog seems to know instinctually what it needs to do to survive, as it will "merely obey the mysterious prompting that [arises] from the deep crypts of its being" (London, 1902). The implication given by London is that the man lacks the preternatural instincts for survival that the wild dog has, as man has domesticated himself with his focus on civilization and escaping the necessities of survival. To that end, the dog is much more well-equipped to survive in the wilderness than man. Nature, as a force, is almost the third character in this story; the man and the dog attempt to defeat it, both using different methods. It does not intend to maliciously destroy the man and the dog; but its benign hostility is something that needs to be addressed. At every turn, nature seeks to disempower the man and make him responsible for his mistakes. By being so relentless, London shows the reader that nature does not have the power of sympathy, and is infinitely more powerful than man is. The power of nature is clearly beyond the two characters; they will certainly not make the environment warmer. All they can do is alter their reactions to nature, which the man refuses to do. This is the true lesson; nature is an immovable object, and one can either adapt to survive (as the dog does), avoid the situation altogether (as the old man implores the traveler to do), or die foolilshly (as the man himself eventually does). In conclusion, "To Build a Fire" is a tale of the battle between logic and instinct. Man does battle with nature here and loses, mostly due to his own stubbornness and pride – the main character does not pay enough credence to nature’s command of his surroundings, which leads to his death. The man, reasoning the usefulness of a fire, or even killing the dog to keep warm, still makes stubborn mistakes when these actions do not work out. The dog, on the other hand, simply knows more about nature in its veins than the man does, leaving it with the ability to survive. Nature tests both characters to see how they will attempt to survive, and the dog wins out through its use of instinct. The dog, being a much more primal creature and more in tune with nature, manages to survive while the inexperienced man freezes to death. Jack London, in his short story, seeks to illustrate the lack of control and power we have over nature, and the mistake in thinking we have it.

Works Cited

Gair, Christopher. Complicity and resistance in Jack London's novels: From naturalism to nature. Vol. 22. Edwin Mellen Press, 1997. Hendricks, King. "Jack London: Master Craftsman of the Short Story." 1966. London, Jack. “To Build a Fire.” 1902.

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To Build a Fire

Jack london, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Instinctual Knowledge vs. Scientific Knowledge

Jack London’s short story is an example of Naturalism, a literary movement that focuses on the realism of human experiences, and often engages with the broad theme of “man versus nature.” London’s unique take on this larger literary idea is through the topic of knowledge. Two types of knowledge are discussed throughout the short story: instinctual knowledge and scientific knowledge. The first is associated with the dog and the second with the man . These…

Chance and Human Error

The man ’s initial mistake of traveling alone in weather that is far too cold for independent hiking does not ensure his fate of freezing to death. The gradual deterioration of the man’s conditions involves both chance and human error. The man is careful and prepared for the streams of water under the snow that will soak him and threaten his survival. Yet, he stumbles into an unexpected stream that was essentially invisible before he…

Fight for Survival vs. Acceptance of Death

As the man ’s situation deteriorates, his emotional state oscillates between determination and acceptance. In certain moments, he seems to foresee his approaching death and in other moments he seems to have faith in his survival. These shifting reactions represent universal human themes of optimism and denial. When the snow falls on his fire , the man’s initial shock reflects his certainty of his death, but his calm reaction and productive response seem optimistic. As…

The Power of Imagination

Early in the story, the man is identified as not being a “thinker” and as “unimaginative.” He is aware of the world around him and of the terrible cold, but he does not imagine the possible outcomes of this cold. Because the man eventually dies due to his initial mistake of traveling on such a cold day, his failure to imagine possible outcomes of his choice is linked to his inability to survive. Imagination could…

Indifferent Nature

Throughout the story, the natural world is presented as unemotional and unaware of the fate of the man. This literary depiction of nature reflects Naturalism’s understanding of a harsh, yet realistic natural world. Contrary to other literary movements, Naturalism views nature without sentiment and without projecting human characteristics of love, care, and agency onto the natural world. This understanding of nature is clearly embodied in the character of the dog that is indifferent to the …

“To Build a Fire” a Story by Jack London Essay

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Introduction

Action and reaction, failure to recognize limitations, apparent foreshadowing, instinct versus assumptions, works cited.

“To Build A Fire” (August 1908), written by Jack London, details the story of a man who foolishly underestimated the environment that he found himself in which resulted in his death. The short story describes the actions the actions the man took to meet up with his associates and how they contributed to his misfortune.

Throughout the events in the story, the man remembers various flashbacks of advice given to him by a man from Sulphur Creek, which revealed the foolishness of his actions. Not checking the temperature, not having someone else come along with him as well as not being observant of his surroundings are the main contributing factors that lead to his demise. After reading the story, the central idea that can be drawn from it is that assumptions can kill.

The first situation that supports the idea that assumptions can kill can be seen in the commentary of the main character in the story when it comes to the surrounding temperature. He continuously made allusions to his supposed capacity to handle the weather, thought that the temperature was not as cold as it was, and believed that he could make it to this destination before the temperature got lower. The problem with this scenario is that his survival hinged on him being right when in reality he was wrong about the temperature, his ability to survive and being able to make it to his destination without any problems. This is a clear case of action and reaction wherein his actions of assuming without verification lead to a life threatening situation that could have been avoided (Hillier 175).

Another of the details that support the postulation that the main idea of the story is that assumptions can kill is the inability of the main character to recognize his limitations. It was mentioned in the story that this was the first year that the main character had spent in the snowy wilderness. He was used to a bright sun, warm summers and long days. Not cold nights that could last days and an environment that is more hostile than inviting.

As such, it can be stated that assuming that an individual’s capacity to be alright in one environment would translate into being in another is an incredibly foolish belief (Feast 2). A winter environment brings with it dangers that require years of experience to handle appropriately and yet the main character believed that he could do so through his inherent “toughness.” The result of his way of thinking was his death in a snowy landscape with only the dog as his witness.

Further support of the assumed main idea of the story can be seen in the creative foreshadowing that the author utilized. For example, sulfur matches were considered as a much-needed method of starting a fire and are thus considered essential for survival. Their use can be correlated to the advice from the man from Sulphur Creek, who was mentioned several times throughout the story as a source of valuable information that could have saved the main character.

The scene where the main character dropped several sulfur matches and was unable to properly start a fire can be considered as the author connecting the fact that despite being given a lot of advice, the main character still did not heed them. The sulfur matches thus act as a symbol of the advice that the man was initially given which enabled him to survive at the start, but since he did not follow most of it, he wound up freezing to death later on (Kreidler 1). This method of foreshadowing supports the hypothesis of this story since it shows that the assumptions of the man when it came to not following the advice given to him lead to his death.

Another support idea for the assumed main idea of the short story can be seen in the perspective of the dog in the story and how it clashes with the actions of the man. In the story, we can clearly see that the instincts of the dog are telling it that it is not a good idea to continue on the journey; however, the main character pushes on. This particular interaction between the two can be considered as symbolic of assumptions versus instincts since the man clearly showed in numerous instances that he refused to believe in his instincts and carried on due to his belief.

Based on everything that has been presented so far in this paper, it can be concluded that the main idea of the story is that assumptions can kill. What readers can gain from the reading is that people often overestimate what they are capable of doing or underestimate the full ramifications of their actions, especially when it comes to the outcome of situations that hinge on unsubstantiated assumptions. All in all, reading “To Build A Fire.” is a great way of introducing readers to the concept of how decisions can have a very real impact on outcomes.

Feast, James. “To Build A Fire.” Magill’S Survey Of American Literature, Revised Edition (2006): 1-2. Print.

Hillier, Russell M. “Crystal Beards And Dantean Influence In Jack London’s “To Build A Fire (II)”.” Anq 23.3 (2010): 172-178. Print.

Kreidler, Michele L. “Jack London’s “To Build A Fire.” Literary Contexts In Short Stories: Jack London’s ‘To Build A Fire’ (2009): 1. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2020, September 25). "To Build a Fire" a Story by Jack London. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-a-story-by-jack-london/

""To Build a Fire" a Story by Jack London." IvyPanda , 25 Sept. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-a-story-by-jack-london/.

IvyPanda . (2020) '"To Build a Fire" a Story by Jack London'. 25 September.

IvyPanda . 2020. ""To Build a Fire" a Story by Jack London." September 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-a-story-by-jack-london/.

1. IvyPanda . ""To Build a Fire" a Story by Jack London." September 25, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-a-story-by-jack-london/.

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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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