Explain how the central conflict in Jack London short story “To Build a Fire” contributes to the story’s overall theme.
The central conflict in Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire" is the man's struggle to survive in the harsh and unforgiving Yukon wilderness. This conflict ultimately contributes to the story's overall theme of the supremacy of nature and the insignificance of human beings in the face of it.
Throughout the story, the man, who is unnamed, is portrayed as overconfident and ignorant of the dangers that surround him. He sets out on a journey alone in extreme cold temperatures, disregarding the advice of an older, more experienced miner who warns him not to travel alone. As the man walks along the trail, he faces numerous challenges such as falling through the ice into a freezing stream and getting his feet wet. Despite recognizing the danger of wet feet in such freezing conditions, the man still proceeds, relying on his ability to build a fire to keep warm and survive.
However, the unforgiving nature of the Yukon becomes the ultimate test of the man's abilities and forces him to confront his own vulnerabilities. His repeated failed attempts to light a fire due to his frozen hands, combined with his gradual loss of feeling in his extremities, depict the intense struggle between human will and the power of nature. London vividly portrays the brutality and unforgivingness of the wilderness, emphasizing the indifference of nature to the man's predicament.
The man's continuous battle against the forces of nature highlights the overarching theme of the story - that nature is an indomitable force that transcends human limitations. Despite the man's perceived superiority and knowledge, he is ultimately defeated by the relentless cold and his own hubris. His ultimate demise in the snow, with no help or hope in sight, underscores the insignificance of human existence when confronted with the power of nature.
Overall, the central conflict in "To Build a Fire" functions as a vehicle for exploring the theme of nature's supremacy and the insignificance of human beings in the face of it. Through the man's struggle and ultimate defeat, Jack London conveys the message that human beings must respect and recognize the power of nature, as it ultimately holds dominion over their lives.