Comparing Story Of An Hour And To Build A Fire

"The Story of an Hour" and "To Build a Fire" both concern different types of conflict. 'Person vs self' and 'person vs nature' are the two main conflicts that are discussed. Both of which reveal hidden characteristics and traits of the characters. It may seem as if both the stories are polar opposites, one regarding feelings and the other regarding adventure, yet they are quite alike holding similar morals. Even though the stories date back approximately a hundred years ago, much of it is still relevant even today.

Personally, the short story, “The Story of an Hour,” was more appealing. In just three short pages, so much information was conceived. Much of it was based on the confused feelings that the main character, Louise Mallard, felt. Heartbreak, despair, happiness, and freedom had gone through her head in just a few minutes. Despite her heart condition being very ‘fragile,’ she had consumed the emotions

one after another, causing her heart beat to increase. Her mental confusion over her emotions resulted in the type of conflict to be ‘person vs self.’ Many thoughts went through my head as well as I was taking in the information of the three pages. Much was conceived but not all. The torture and confusion felt my Mrs. Mallory was clearly understood. I found it quite confusing the first time I read it through. Through all the different changes in emotions, everything seemed very displaced and unorganized. Though I found it to be a challenge which intrigued me and in the end was the reason this short story was better. Not only was it written very well and differently, the storyline was very unique.
“To Build a Fire,” was the second short story we read but was significantly longer, not necessarily making it better. The main storyline consisted of a stubborn man venturing out into the cold unknown and facing many difficult obstacles, yet still dying in the end. This results in the type of conflict to be ‘person vs nature,’ because the whole setting takes place outside, in the wilderness. My thoughts and reactions were quite biased. Jack London, the author, isn't one of my favorites which definitely affected my opinion on the story. What really struck me was the stubbornness of the man. He had been warned that the task as nearly impossible yet he still went. I wasn't even sure if it was ambitiousness that led him on this dangerous task or striving to prove himself. Either way it was very stupid, leading him to his death. Another scene which shocked me was when the thought of killing the dog crossed the man mind. It really showed intensified the significance of the situation. Everything seemed more exaggerated and real. Even though this story wasn't my favorite, it still held many interesting moments and was very enjoyable.
Both these short stories have been around for over a hundred years.

That makes you question the possibilities of these situations happening now, in the 21st century. I believe that these stories are still relevant today. Even though the same situations might not occur, the feelings, thoughts and actions behind it still resemble what people go through today. The laws may have been different then and woman may not have had as many rights but the main gist of the stories are the same. In "The Story of an Hour," the emotions that went through Mrs. Mallard over her husbands death would be quite similar even in the 21st century. Many countries aren't as developed as the U.S. and men still 'rule' over the woman. In "To Build a Fire," the situation probably wouldn't occur now but the thoughts and feelings behind the story would. Many people are very headstrong now days and stubborn and it's very possible that they could get themselves in a similar situation. It may seem that a century ago, life was different, and it was, but not as different as many people

think.
Both the short stories showed two different types of conflicts and held many similar and contrasting beliefs and characteristics. Even though they seem quite different, they held similar themes. Emotions were felt, words were spoken, and morals were found. These two stories sent a message and really captured the attention of the audience. Both concepts being quite different kept the stories interesting and unique.