To Build A Fire

To Build A Fire

Jack London

Background

• Set during the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska in 1896-1899

• In 1897, Jack London sailed to the Yukon as a gold prospector

• Never found gold and ended up with scurvy, nagging hip pains, and a gum ailment that made him loose four teeth

• Influenced by literary naturalism- focus on science, detached narration, and natural selection

Multiple Choice

What is this story about?

• a guide to building a fire

• the struggle for survival

• the beauty of the natural world

• an enjoyable camping trip

Summary

A man (a newcomer to Alaska) is walking with his dog to another camp to meet a friend. He is warned by a local old timer that he cannot make the journey safely as it is too cold outside. The man ignores the warning and eventually freezes to death, though he tries to build a fire to survive.

Multiple Choice

This short story is more....

• optimistic

• pessimistic

• empathetic

• apathetic

Multiple Choice

What is the main character's major flaw?

• anger

• pride

• ignorance

• spite

Open Ended

How could the tragic ending have been avoided?

The man could have been more prepared (food, clothes, etc), listened to the advice of the expert, or not gone out at all.

Open Ended

What does fire symbolize?

Fire symbolizes survival/the power of nature and the lack of power of man. The man tries to build a fire to survive but fails and dies.

Multiple Choice

What happens to the dog?

• It dies due to the freezing cold.

• The man kills it and eats it.

• The man kills it and uses the fur for warmth.

• It watches the man die and then runs off to find shelter.

Open Ended

What does the dog symbolize?

The dog symbolizes nature and animal instinct- a bridge between the human and natural worlds. Its instincts are what allow it to survive while the man dies.

Open Ended

What impact does the "winged Mercury" allusion have?

The "winged Mercury" allusion references the immortal Roman god Mercury who had wings on his feet/shoes and never had to touch the ground. The man says this because he cannot feel his feet due to frostbite. This allusion is ironic because the man is dying.

Open Ended

What does this have to do with the American Dream?

This is a pessimistic version of the Dream- not everyone can succeed, particularly if they do not come in prepared.