To Build A Fire

Although we have already started our second unit on drama, the first reading I wish to address is from Unit 1. Of all of the literary reading assignments from this unit, To Build A Fire by Jack London was definitely my favorite. London's vivid description of the setting kept me interested in the story. His use of the main character's interior thinking to document the change in his exterior circumstances was both impressive and captivating. To me, the most striking part of this approach was the fact that, as the main character's circumstances became more and more dire, his attitude became less and less serious, and thoughts became more imaginative. This was particularly interesting to me because it was pretty accurate in relation to reports of what happens to an individual before dying, especially in cases of hypothermia. I remember learning, in high school, that once hypothermia kicks in, the mind shelters the body from the reality of its impending end, and causes the individual to feel a sense of warmth and contentment. London's character definitely displayed this contentment at the end of the story, when his mind wandered and he drifted into "the most comfortable and satisfying sleep he had ever known." In conclusion, London's illustrative method of writing, along with his creative incorporation of realistic events, has definitely sparked my interest in him as a writer. Needless to say, I feel drawn to read more of his work, and would recommend this piece to anyone interested in reading a classic, well written short story.
Submitted by Alyssa Bell