Criticism of Jack Londons To Build a Fire :: London To Build a Fire Essays

Criticism of tinkers dam Londons To Build a FireIn her critique of To Build a Fire Jill Widdecombe assesses the personality and motivation of the unnamed worldly concern in the story. Widdecombe suggests a story of mystery, intrigue, and rationalization. I see it as a story near inner meshing and submit the mans inner conflict parallels Widdecombes analogy of resource versus rationalization. The conflict in the story is two-fold the man spit outs between his will and abstract thought and second with the mans desires and abilities. The story places the man at odds with the elements, it is a conflict each of us may have encountered at one judgment of conviction in our lives. London in his writing attempts to simplify the ageless struggle by fashioning a narration that is chthonicstandable regardless of age.The tale is told by a mysterious narrator, centering on a anonymous man and a nameless dog. In fact the story could be about anyone attempting virtually anything pitting t hemselves against the forces of nature and disregard of sound advice. I do not see the man as a egotist however I do see a lack of cognitive reasoning. The protagonist sets out in weather conditions far more frightful then he could have imagined. He travels solo, except for the dog ironically he is told by an old native to never travel alone when the weather is below fifty below. Disregarding the advice and reasoning while it is icy, it is sufferable and appropriately dressed, the conditions atomic number 18 not life threatening. Unfortunately the weather and elements are the antagonist he faces.Somewhere past the midpoint of his trek the man breaks through the ice and his legs and feet become wet. Knowing he must wry his socks and boots or he will freeze to death he builds a fire. While attempting to light the fire he begins to realize just how cold it must be yet he attempts to rationalize the situation and deterrent focused. The man is promptly becoming disoriented and s truggles onward to build a fire.After apparently succeeding he is devastated when snow warmed by the fire falls out of the tree he built it under and extinguishes the flame. Realizing his folly he moves his kindling and realizes his ability to function in the elements is quickly fading.