An Analysis of Jack Londons To Build a Fire :: London To Build a Fire Essays

An Analysis of labourer Londons To Build a FireIn his article To Build a Fire a Physical Fiction and Metaphysical Critics Charles E. May comments and disagrees with a statement that To Build a Fire is a masterpiece of a short fiction(20). Literary critics claimed that London used some(prenominal) metaphors in this work such as sun-fire-life or cold-darkness-depression-death(20), moreover May argues that this fib should be read and interpreted literally and does not contain deep, dual or metaphorical meaning. He says For Jack London, and consequently for the reader, the man in the boloney is simply a living body, the cold is simply a physical fact(22). What is more articles author strongly disagrees with the critic, who compares the theme of the story to a theme of a classical tragedy. May sarcastically states that the scarcely visible similarity in terms of theme would be the disregard of protagonists death(22). I think that To Build a Fire story relates to many issues hidden behind a superficial plot. The story takes place in a very severe winter the man under appreciates the dangers of temper forces and struggles to return to camp. He is warned about possible dangers, but he is to a fault too pride and too self-confident to take the advice into consideration. The protagonist is accompany by a dog. The man tries to survive, but forces of nature are stronger and he dies.The interpretation of the story, however, reveals real treasures problem of loneliness, deadly fear, acceptance, understanding, issue of time, and a scarey silence. The protagonist seems to be a very independent and strong person, he rather listens to himself first. He planned his way back home, and regardless to die hard condition he realizes his plans and sets off. During this trip he starts to realize that it may be too cold, initially tries to set up a fire, but it is not enough to survive. He is scared, and has a spirit of a coming death. In some ways he is similar to a contemp orary person, who never has enough time for anything. The protagonist rushes to get home, to realize his own plans, to go forward, then on a deserted land he all at once finds time, too much time to think, and to feel. It was a very uncomfortable feeling to be aware of his own death he is able to presage what will happen. At first, he tries to escape and safely find camp, but afterwards he learns it is impossible, and accepts his fate.