Overview

To Build a Fire, and other stories is a collection of seven short stories by Jack London. It takes its name from the first short story in the book, London's best-known short story, "To Build a Fire." To Build a Fire was written in 1908, and has become an often anthologized classic. To Build a Fire is about an unnamed protagonist who ventures out in the subzero boreal forest of the Yukon Territory, accompanied by his dog, to visit his friends, despite being warned of the dangers of such endeavor. "Man vs. Nature" is one of the themes present in this short story. The protagonist decides to face the brutal cold temperatures of the Yukon Territory, despite being warned by an older man. The short story depicts the protagonist's battle of life and death while highlighting the importance of the fire. One other theme illustrated in the story is the man's human sense of judgment contrasted with the dog's animal instincts. Throughout the story, London hints that the dog has more knowledge of survival than the man. To Build a Fire is an oft-cited example of the naturalist movement that portrays the conflict of man vs. nature. It also reflects what London learned in the Yukon Territory.