Once the man in "To Build a Fire" by Jack London realizes that he will likely die, he reacts with a sense of despair and acceptance. He becomes overwhelmed by the gravity of his situation and the realization that he is alone in the frigid wilderness. He begins to have thoughts of the futility of his actions and the futile nature of his struggle to survive. He also becomes desperate and willing to try anything to turn the outcome in his favor, but ultimately, he succumbs to his inevitable fate.
