essay questions for to build a fire

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To Build a Fire Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author and the publications of To Build A Fire. Where was Jack London from? How successful was he as an author during his lifetime? What differences exist between the two versions of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the Klondike Gold Rush. When did the gold rush take place? How many people were involved? What environment did these people encounter? How is this period related in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the setting of To Build A Fire.What are the outstanding elements of the setting? How does the setting play a part in the plot of the narrative? What clues in the text reveal the setting?

Essay Topic 4

Analyze the imagery that the author uses in depicting the setting of To Build A Fire. Consider lines such as: “the spittle crackled…in the air.” How does this imagery develop the...

(read more Essay Topics)

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Novelguide rooms, novelguide: search by author, novelguide: search by title, book navigation.

• To Build a Fire: Novel Summary
• To Build a Fire: Pages 1-2
• To Build a Fire: Pages 3-4
• To Build a Fire: Pages 5-6
• To Build a Fire: Pages 7-8
• To Build a Fire: Pages 9-10
• To Build a Fire: Pages 11-12
• To Build a Fire: Pages 13-14
• To Build a Fire: Pages 15-16
• To Build a Fire: Pages 17-18
• To Build a Fire: Character Profiles
• To Build a Fire: Metaphor Analysis
• To Build a Fire: Theme Analysis
• To Build a Fire: Top Ten Quotes
• To Build a Fire: Biography: Jack London

To Build a Fire: Essay Q&A

1.  Outline the relevance of the title . The necessity of building a fire is the driving force of the latter stages of this short story because without fire, the man knows that he will freeze once his feet and legs are wet. When the fire he builds is extinguished by snow, and he still needs to get dry, the title becomes an urgent command as he knows he is facing death if he fails to re-build it. The title is repeated in the narrative and this reiterates its importance to the story and to the man’s survival. It also highlights how spare the story is as it focuses on one unnamed man and his dog; fire is instead made central because if one is lit the man will be able to live. The ability to build a fire is often cited as the reason why humans are superior to animals and suggests that humans are capable of mastering nature. In this case, nature overpowers the man and the story is a reminder that the ability to build a fire does not necessarily indicate humankind’s empowerment. 2. Consider the man’s treatment of the dog. The dog is used to being treated harshly by the man and is wary when the man changes his behavior in the hope of getting closer to kill it. It is ironic that the man’s previous cruelty means that the dog does not trust his kindness, and the man is critiqued and condemned for this. It is possible to argue that the dog is treated with more sympathy in the narrative than the man and the man’s cruelty is in keeping with his arrogance. The desire to master the dog by subjecting it to his will has a parallel with his decision to travel alone and both examples demonstrate a wish to subdue nature to his will. The dog, however, is depicted as a symbol of nature and unlike the man it has adapted to its environment. It is more aware of the dangers of travelling in this freezing temperature and the man’s cruelty to it emphasises his false sense of superiority all the more. 3. Examine the implications of the man not taking the old-timer’s advice. The old-timer, who is named as such by the man, has already imparted his greater knowledge of the area and how to travel in it before the story begins. It is of interest that the man does not heed this information because this highlights his arrogance as an outsider, a newcomer and as a younger man. The term ‘old-timer’ may be seen as condescending even if possibly affectionate and suggests that the man is not fully convinced by this help from the older generation. It is poignant and ironic that he only comes to realize the import of the advice once it is too late. 4. Analyse the use of nature and its relationship with humanity. By having the Yukon as a backdrop for this story, an extreme climate is used to demonstrate the potential force of nature and the insignificance of humanity. The freezing winter temperatures of north-west Canada are depicted as a sharp contrast to what the man has previously known and, therefore, remind the readers of how the will of man – and woman – is potentially under threat by the environment. Nature is given the role of the man’s enemy and the dramatic tension arises from the battle he has with the freezing cold. His attempt to survive in these conditions, and his failure to do so, mean that the story is given a final element of poignancy. As he approaches death and at first panics and then decides to sleep, it is possible at last to feel empathy for him. 5. Consider the style of this short story and how it affects the content. The style of this story may be described as spare and driven by the central premise of the man attempting and failing to reach the camp. Its sparseness is exemplified in the use of few characters and those that appear are not given a name. Only a character called Bud is mentioned in passing when the man wishes he had devised a protective mask as Bud had done before. The focus rests mainly on the man, the dog and their surroundings. The effects of the cold are given the majority of the space and this emphasizes how dangerous it is as well as showing the arrogance of the man in presuming he would be able to travel this distance without a human companion. Repetitions are used as a stylistic effect and this allows the attention to remain on the main narrative thread: that the man is in mortal danger from the freezing temperature and only realizes this gradually. His reported lack of imagination is re-enacted in the story to a degree at least, as the narrative is as purposely restricted as the man’s way of thinking. It is only when he accepts the likelihood of his death that his imagination comes to life. Similarly, it is only at this point that the narrative switches to encompass the scene of his death.

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To Build a Fire

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

“To Build a Fire” by Jack London Essay

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Introduction

The brief basic plot of the story, works cited.

Jack London’s “To Build a Fire” has been greatly considered to be the foremost example of the naturalist movement and the conflict between man and nature. The protagonist of the story is the man who “was a newcomer in the land, a chechaquo, and this was his first winter” and he is the prime tool at the hands of the writer to establish his themes. (London, To Build a Fire). The main character in the story exhibits the most interesting characteristics in an analysis of the man-nature conflict worked out by Jack London and the man’s foolish confidence despite nature’s enormous power is described by the writer in the most convincing manner.

Thus, the story “To Build a Fire” presents the main character, the man, as involved in a fight with the natural powers including the cosmic, human, and bestial forces, foolish and regardless of the experienced people. The various instances of the story very clearly exhibit these characteristic aspects of the protagonist in the novel.

The story “To Build a Fire” is indubitably a wonderful narration of man’s fight against the natural forces and hence the characters display the elements of naturalism. The man in the story is presented as fighting against cosmic, human, and bestial forces. He underestimated cosmic powers and he is least worried about the lack of sun or the excess of cold and it turns out to be foolish. “He was used to the lack of sun…Undoubtedly it was colder than fifty below–how much colder he did not know. But the temperature did not matter.” ((London. To Build a Fire). Similarly, the man in the story overestimates the human powers.

As one of the studies on the story reveals, “Failing to understand that he, no more than his ancestors, is equipped to deal instinctively with the elements, he ignores the unique human faculty of reason.” (London. To Build a Fire: Biography). That is to say, he discounts the advice given by the old-timer on Sulphur Creek that “after fifty below, a man should travel with a partner,” (London) and by the time he realized the fact of all, he had lost all the sensation of the body. However, the most pitiable fact is that the man catastrophically discards the signals given by his own body persistently, which might make him more mindful of the danger.

The unnamed man in “To Build a Fire” who engages in a nine-hour trek across the Klondike’s ruthless winter landscape has been the most favorite tool at the hands of London to illustrate the exciting theme of his story. Thus, the writer sets the character making the journey alone, except a dog, disregarding the advice of an old-timer and ultimately freezes to death before reaching the destination, following various disasters on the way.

The man in the story, his features, fate, and the end, etc are closely related to the themes of the story and the following comment makes it clear. “The man’s behavior and his ultimate fate highlight the story’s themes of survival in the wilderness, the individual versus nature, and death.” (London. To Build a Fire Study Guide: Themes).

Another major characteristic of the character of the man is that he represents the existentialist quest in every man and no specific name given to the character has a great bearing on this. That is to say, London has not provided the central character any particular name, but simply refers to him as “the man” right through “To Build a Fire” and it has been to powerfully emphasize the theme of existentialism in the story.

“By not naming the character, London has placed him at an even greater distance from the reader within his deadly setting, thus isolating him all the more in a bleak and hostile universe.” (London. The Existential Theme in Jack London’s “To Build a Fire”). In ultimate conclusion, it becomes evident that the characteristic features of the man in the story “To Build a Fire” are closely linked to the main themes of the story. The man with his important characteristics becomes the foremost aspect of the story in drawing the everlasting impression on the writing by London.

London, Jack. To Build a Fire. Read Print. 2006. Web.

London, Jack. To Build a Fire: Biography. 1876-1916. Web.

London, Jack. To Build a Fire Study Guide: Themes. Book Rags. 2005-2006. Web.

London, Jack. The Existential Theme in Jack London’s “To Build a Fire.” Lone Star College: North Harris. 2008. Web.

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IvyPanda . 2021. "“To Build a Fire” by Jack London." September 30, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/to-build-a-fire-by-jack-london/.

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Bibliography

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To Build a Fire

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To Build a Fire

By jack london.

• To Build a Fire Summary

A man travels in the Yukon (near the border of current day Alaska) on an extremely cold morning with a husky wolf-dog. The cold does not faze the man, a newcomer to the Yukon, who plans to meet his friends by six o'clock at an old claim. As it grows colder, he realizes his unprotected cheekbones will freeze, but he does not pay it much attention. He walks along a creek trail, mindful of the dangerous, concealed springs; even getting wet feet on such a cold day is extremely dangerous. He stops for lunch and builds a fire.

The man continues on and, in a seemingly safe spot, falls through the snow and wets himself up to his shins. He curses his luck; starting a fire and drying his foot-gear will delay him at least an hour. His feet and fingers are numb, but he starts the fire. He remembers the old-timer from Sulphur Creek who had warned him that no man should travel in the Klondike alone when the temperature was fifty degrees below zero.

The man unties his icy moccasins, but before he can cut the frozen strings on them, clumps of snow from the spruce tree above fall down and snuff out the fire. Though building a fire in the open would have been wiser, it had been easier for the man to take twigs from the spruce tree and drop them directly below on to the fire. Each time he pulled a twig, he had slightly agitated the tree until, at this point, a bough high up had capsized its load of snow. It capsized lower boughs in turn until a small avalanche had blotted out the fire.

The man is scared, and sets himself to building a new fire, aware that he is already going to lose a few toes from frostbite. He gathers twigs and grasses. His fingers numb and nearly lifeless, he unsuccessfully attempts to light a match. He grabs all his matches--seventy--and lights them simultaneously, then sets fire to a piece of bark. He starts the fire, but in trying to protect it from pieces of moss, it soon goes out.

The man decides to kill the dog and puts his hands inside its warm body to restore his circulation. He calls out to the dog, but something fearful and strange in his voice frightens the dog. The dog finally comes forward and the man grabs it in his arms. But he cannot kill the dog, since he is unable to pull out his knife or even throttle the animal. He lets it go.

The man realizes that frostbite is now a less worrisome prospect than death. He panics and runs along the creek trail, trying to restore circulation, the dog at his heels. But his endurance gives out, and finally he falls and cannot rise. He fights against the thought of his body freezing, but it is too powerful a vision, and he runs again. He falls again, and makes one last panicked run and falls once more. He decides he should meet death in a more dignified manner. He imagines his friends finding his body tomorrow.

The man falls off into a comfortable sleep. The dog does not understand why the man is sitting in the snow like that without making a fire. As the night comes, it comes closer and detects death in the man's scent. It runs away in the direction of the camp, "where were the other food-providers and fire-providers."

To Build a Fire Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for To Build a Fire is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The author’s descriptions of the cold weather suggest that —

A. the cold should never be underestimated.

what motivations do the man's thoughts reveal? how could these lead to a dilemma that advances the plot

The man has hubris or pride. He thinks that he can outsmart nature and make it to the boys at Henderson Creek. He thinks he knows better than his very apprehensive husky and the old timer's advice. If the man respected nature he would have...

. Works of naturalism often address the theme of survival of the fittest. Give examples that show how London’s story develops this theme. What message does the story convey about the survival of the fittest?

Jack London specialized in stories about the wilderness. His running theme involved the raw majesty and power of the elements. Naturalism was London's mantra and this story is a perfect example of this. In "To Build a Fire" the setting is in the...

Study Guide for To Build a Fire

To Build a Fire study guide contains a biography of Jack London, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About To Build a Fire
• To Build a Fire Video
• Character List

Essays for To Build a Fire

To Build a Fire literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of To Build a Fire.

• Chain-smoking: Causality in "To Build a Fire"
• Realism: Compare and Contrast
• Literary Naturalism: A Comparison of Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and To Build A Fire
• Our America: The Abiding Question of Nation and National Identity in American Literature
• A War Against Nature: Instinct in "To Build a Fire"

Lesson Plan for To Build a Fire

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to To Build a Fire
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• To Build a Fire Bibliography

E-Text of To Build a Fire

The To Build a Fire e-text contains the full text of To Build a Fire by Jack London.

• Full Text of To Build a Fire

Wikipedia Entries for To Build a Fire

• Introduction
• 1908 version plot
• 1902 version

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.

Analysis of Traveller in Jack London’s to Build a Fire

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Critical Analysis of to Build a Fire by Jack London

Human flaws and the importance of the open mind in jack london’s 'to build a fire', realism in jack london’s to build a fire and stephen crane’s a mystery of heroism, fighting nature: animalistic instinct in jack london’s "to build a fire", let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Chain Smoking: Causal Links in to Build a Fire

Comparing london's "to build a fire" and crane's "the open boat", similar themes in to build a fire and the open boat, nature and humans in the short stories of jack london and henry david thoreau, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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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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