Jack London is one of the leading authors in a literary style called “naturalism”. Such stories deal with the unforgiving power of nature and man’s struggle for survival. To Build a Fire takes place in the frozen wilds of Alaska. A poorly prepared prospector decides to return to his camp in dangerously cold weather conditions, ignoring advice from more experienced men never to travel through the snow alone. A single foolish mistake brings disaster and the most comfortable and satisfying sleep he had ever known. Themes include survival (man vs. nature), listening to advice, preparedness, instinct vs. intellect, death.
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