How To Build A Fire Naturalism

Naturalism is a form of realism usually posed as an alternative to reality. Naturalists wrote about human life, shaped by forces beyond human control. Characters were introduced from all levels of society, not just those of the middle class. People whose lives were out of control, as described in this movement, saw “their fates seen to be the outcome of degenerate heredity, a sordid environment, and the bad luck that can often seems to control the lives of people without money or influence” (Baym & Levine, 2013, p. 10). Human life was no longer being dictated by those who were living, but by nature. Man was ineffectively responding to things that were happening to them as opposed to choosing their own destinies. Frank Norris believed that

Third, identify elements of the literary text that you’ve chosen that exemplify those features of realism or naturalism.

a. In “To Build A Fire,” a man is found pitted against the harsh cold of winter. ‘The man’ realizes he will die if he can not build a fire. He struggles to build a fire but ultimately loses the battle as nature does not provide suitable weather for a fire to be sustained. Not only does the lack of a sustainable fire, which was the desire and necessity of survival for this man bring consequences, naturalism takes its course as things progress, eventually bringing him to death.

b. Dog: his purpose in the story and how his presence was used in the course of naturalism

c. Pride and stubbornness/conclusion of the man: refusal to listen to the advice of the Old Timer in the beginning of this story, the man was destined, according to principles of naturalism to suffer many defeats which would eventually end his life in death. Prior to death, admittance the Old Timer was right there was regret, however, it did not take away the natural consequences of not listening to the wise advice

Fifth, break your thesis statement into about 3 subpoints, the ideas you’ll have to develop to make your case. These subpoints will become your outline, so turn them into complete sentences by answering the question: What do I need to explain about this subpoint to define realism or naturalism or to show how that literary form is manifested in this literary text?

a. In “To Build A Fire,” the man exemplifies the characteristics of naturalism by succumbing to the events of nature. He had no control over the weather or the circumstances. The man could choose to listen to the old timer’s advice or venture out in the cold elements. Ultimately, the choice he made cost him his life.

b. The man is faced with the challenge of fighting the cold weather and staying alive, but to accomplish this, he must build a fire to stay warm. We see the man’s desire to accomplish this task, still hoping to control his destiny, but the natural effects of the cold winter weather nature have brought on overtakes him.

c. The story takes place in an ordinary, realistic setting and centers on a normal human being, nothing is unique or special about this man or any of the other characters.

VI. Sixth, flesh out your outline by adding evidence from the critical and literary texts to support your