Nature In Jack London's To Build A Fire

Nature is usually seen more as the setting, rather than the antagonist in a story. In Jack London’s “To Build a Fire,” there is a never ending battle between nature and the four different living entities, whether they be current or past experiences. This portrays nature as more of an opposing character, rather than it being a part of the setting. By using the four characters, the man, the dog, the old-timer from Sulphur Creek and the boys, London is able to portray how nature impacts them all and how they react based on their experience and knowledge. When first being introduced to the man in “To Build a Fire,” it is evident that he might not be up to par when it comes to dealing with the fierce chill in the Yukon mountains. “It was a steep bank, and he paused for a breath at the top” (518) After one steep hill the man is already having to catch his breath. That should have been his first clue, showing that he would

The man towards the end refers to himself being a part of the boys. “He did not belong with himself any more, for even then was out of himself, standing with the boys and looking at himself in the snow” (527). Although, this might be what the man ultimately wanted, it was far from being true. The boys might not have had as much knowledge as the old-timer, but they at least had enough to know that they need to stay together and stay on the direct route to camp. The man goes off the trail because he wants to check out timber prospects, this could be because he wanted to impress the boys. He was a newcomer, maybe he felt as if he had to earn his way into the group. The boys represent safety. When they are referred to in the story, its always in relation to food and fire, the two things needed to survive in the wilderness. “The boys would be there, a fire would be going, and a hot supper would be ready” (519). Even to the dog, the boy represented fire and