In both “Powder” and “To Build a Fire,” a character brings a travel companion on a risky winter journey.
Read both texts. Then, write an essay in which you compare how the authors develop the theme of trust.
In the short stories "Powder" by Tobias Wolff and "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, both authors explore the theme of trust through the portrayal of risky winter journeys and the interactions between the main characters and their travel companions. While there are similarities in how the theme is developed, the two stories also offer contrasting perspectives on trust, highlighting the different consequences it can have for the characters involved.
In "Powder," the theme of trust is primarily developed through the relationship between a young boy and his father during a snowstorm. The father takes his son on a risky journey to return home before the weather conditions deteriorate further. The son's implicit trust in his father is evident from the beginning, as he narrates the story through a nostalgic lens, reminiscing about this particular adventure with admiration. The father, despite being seen as unreliable in other aspects of his life, proves himself trustworthy by skillfully maneuvering through the treacherous conditions and prioritizing their safety over a timely return. Through this journey, the father successfully strengthens the trust between himself and his son, leaving a lasting impression on the boy's perception of him.
On the other hand, "To Build a Fire" explores trust from a more pessimistic perspective. The story follows a lone traveler who ignores warnings of extreme cold and attempts to traverse the Yukon trail alone. He is accompanied by a dog, who serves as his travel companion. However, unlike the father-son relationship in "Powder," trust between the man and the dog is tenuous at best. The man views the dog as merely a tool for survival, failing to develop a genuine bond or sense of trust with the animal. This lack of trust becomes apparent when the traveler encounters life-threatening situations and the dog instinctively knows how to navigate the harsh environment, while the man fails. In the end, the dog, who has a better understanding of the environment, abandons the man, showcasing the consequences of his lack of trust and his ultimate demise.
While both stories present risky winter journeys involving travel companions, the development and consequences of trust differ significantly. In "Powder," trust is cultivated and rewarded, illustrating the positive outcome it can have on relationships and survival. The father's skills and commitment to his son's safety solidify the trust between them. Conversely, in "To Build a Fire," the lack of trust leads to dire consequences for the man. His dismissal of the dog's instincts and failure to develop trust ultimately leads to his own demise.
In conclusion, both "Powder" and "To Build a Fire" explore the theme of trust through risky winter journeys and the dynamics between characters and their travel companions. However, while "Powder" portrays trust in a positive light, highlighting its benefits for survival and relationship-building, "To Build a Fire" presents a more pessimistic perspective, emphasizing the devastating consequences of a lack of trust. Through these stories, the authors illustrate the importance of trust in navigating difficult situations, and the potential outcomes it can have on the characters involved.