Question

Why the author of “To Build a Fire” chose to have no dialogue?

Answer 1

In the story "To Build a Fire," London tells the story of a man who dies in the Arctic. However, it is important to note that the man in question does not have a name, nor is there any dialogue associated with his character.

There are two main reasons why the author most likely decided to create the character in this way. First, such a lack of development allows the man to remain anonymous. Therefore, the reader understands that this is the story of many men who died in similar ways. It allows the character to stand for a variety of men in similar circumstances.

The second reason is that it contributes to highlighting the insignificance of the man. By not giving the man a name or dialogue, the author is able to minimize the importance of the man, and thus make the power of the surrounding nature all the more important and impressive.