Question

Based on this information, what similar conclusion can be drawn about the man in "To Build A Fire"?

Answer 1

Answer: First, we understand that he is incredibly arrogant. He is directly warned by the experienced old-timer that the weather he is attempting to travel in is completely unsuitable. Despite his inexperience, however, he chooses not to listen to the warning, considering himself above the advice.

Second, we know that the man is completely out of touch with nature. The brazen confidence of the man is contrasted by the worry and fear of his dog, who is in touch with nature enough to know that traveling is a bad idea. In the end, nature defeats the man due to his underestimation of it.

Explanation: The final passage of the story contrasts the man’s death with the stunningly beautiful natural world, which is also cold and indifferent. The dog’s eventual departure from the man’s body shows that humans are interchangeable in its mind, another example of the indifference of nature. The dog survives and the man does not, showing the triumph of instinct over rationality.