To Build a Fire is a short story by Jack London that follows the struggles of an unnamed man as he tries to survive in the harsh, cold wilderness of the Yukon Territory during a winter blizzard. The story is a classic tale of man versus nature, as the man must use his wits and physical strength to overcome the elements in order to survive.
At the beginning of the story, the man is depicted as confident and capable, believing that he can handle the cold and reach his destination despite the poor weather conditions. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the man is not as prepared for the journey as he initially thought. His lack of understanding of the severity of the cold and his failure to take necessary precautions, such as keeping his feet dry and building a fire, ultimately lead to his demise.
One of the most striking characteristics of the man in To Build a Fire is his stubbornness and refusal to accept the reality of his situation. Despite the warning of an old-timer who tells him not to travel alone in such cold weather, the man dismisses the advice and sets out on his journey with confidence. When he begins to feel the effects of the cold, such as numb fingers and toes, he continues to push himself, believing that he can tough it out and make it to his destination.
This stubbornness is a major flaw in the man's character, as it causes him to underestimate the dangers of the wilderness and to make poor decisions that ultimately lead to his death. For example, when he realizes that he has wet feet, he does not take the time to build a fire and dry them off, but instead tries to walk to his destination in the hope that the movement will keep him warm. This decision ultimately proves fatal, as the cold and wet conditions cause him to lose feeling in his toes and fingers, leading to his inability to start a fire later on when he desperately needs one.
Despite his flaws, the man in To Build a Fire is not entirely unsympathetic. He is depicted as a hardworking and determined individual who is simply trying to survive in a difficult environment. His struggle to build a fire and keep himself warm in the face of such extreme conditions is a testament to his determination and will to live.
In conclusion, the character of the man in To Build a Fire is a complex and multifaceted one. He is portrayed as confident and capable at the beginning of the story, but his stubbornness and refusal to accept the realities of his situation ultimately lead to his demise. Despite his flaws, he is also depicted as a determined and hardworking individual who is simply trying to survive in a difficult environment.