Thoughts on "To Build a Fire"

     I found "To Build a Fire"a unique and interesting piece, certainly applicable to a real-world setting of natural survival. The man in the story is a toughened character, seemingly at ease in -50 Fahrenheit weather, essentially accepting such frigid temperatures. From his hints about the Yukon and Bering Sea he is definitely far north on the North American continent, a chill environment indeed. This work provides a striking insight as to what life one might live in such an area.
     Obviously, the unnamed man is very knowledgeable about the trail he traverses referencing numerous survival tips in his trek throughout the wilderness. Besides building a fire for heat, I found it ingenious his method for quick warmth, the beating of his extremities (hands, feet, etc.) on himself or another object to release the cold, numbing sensation. Although this approach seems obvious to any reader sitting at home near a kindling fireplace I know I would completely forget this simple method if caught in such a frosted land. Of course, I suffer from Renaud's Phenomenon; poor blood circulation within one's hands and feet so beating my hands in below zero temperatures might just make them snap off! Other than that, the man also demonstrates his knowledge of "where to spot thin ice" even though it really doesn't help his journey by the stories' end. I was surprised when he actually did fall in the unmarked stream, despite his self-warnings that hidden "traps" did exist. Personally, I think he should have kept a walking stick, even a crude branch, to prod all areas in front of him, such could have saved him time, let alone, his life.
     Jack London (the author) does an excellent job with regards to story progression and transitions. He keeps the pages moving by describing each sequential event as it unfolds. The man begins walking easily through the frigid North as the temperature becomes colder and is forced to eventually make a "roaring fire." However, when he later falls into the cold water his luck takes a turn for the worse and the stories' end begins to unfold as his second fire fails to light and his body succumbs to the frigid tundra. The special twist here is how the man, who was previously labeled as a rough survivor, gradually progresses to his demise, which is unexpected by the reader. Additionally, London uses two unusual concepts in his work, adding to the flavor of the story. My attention immediately peaked when the man's chewing tobacco starts to crystallize on his beard, leaving him a gruesome, if not, unorthodox souvenir. Coupled with the fact that he is in an icy wasteland, he actually accepts the filthy residue, probably because his temperature problems are greater. Also, the scene in which he attempts to kill his dog for warmth seems like an early parallel to the famous Star Wars moment when Han Solo cuts open his Ton-ton for Luke Sky-walker's warmth. Yes, I know this story preceded Star Wars but the similarity must be recognized.
     One should get from this story an appreciation for where they live, most people do not traverse such cold pathways as often. In Ohio we are (not) used to a random change in temperature and weather condition any time during the day. Still, in my opinion, this is better than the nasty weather present in "To Build a Fire." I remember right after I read this story I had to walk ALL FOUR of my outdoor dogs: with plenty of snow on the ground. Certainly not my favorite experience!