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A Tale of Two Natures: The Significance of the Dog in Jack London's

"To Build a Fire"

I. Introduction

In the story of "To Build a Fire," Jack London transports readers to the unforgiving
wilderness of Yukon, where the survival hinges on human determination and the
power of the natural world. Within this harsh setting, the dog is a significant role,
going beyond being a mere companion to the protagonist. Through its interactions
with the surroundings and the protagonist, the dog presents contrasting ideas,
symbolizing the basic instincts necessary for staying alive. Additionally, the dog acts
as a mirror, revealing the protagonist's flawed comprehension of nature. In this paper,
I would like to delve into the symbolism represented by the dog. By doing so, we can
better understand the fragility of human and recognize the essential connection
between humanity and the natural world.

II. The Dog as a Symbol of Survival and Instinct

First of all, London employs the character of the dog in "To Build a Fire" as a symbol
of the survival instincts required for existence in the harsh wilderness. The dog's
actions throughout the story exemplify its innate ability to foresee dangers. Its keen
awareness and intuitive responses serve as a powerful symbol of the primal forces in
the natural world.

In the story, London vividly describes the hostile environment, depicting the extreme
cold, the biting wind, and the potential dangers. As the protagonist navigates the
landscape and remains largely ignorant of the imminent dangers, the dog shows an
acute understanding of the condition. For instance, London writes, "The animal was
depressed by the tremendous cold. It knew that it was no time for travelling” (London,
8). This passage highlights the dog's intuitive grasp of the dangers at the very
beginning of the trip, emphasizing its instinct with the natural world.

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Furthermore, the dog's adaptation to the harsh conditions serves as a stark contrast to
the protagonist's struggles. While the man grapples with the cold, the dog already
thinks about the fire. London illustrates this contrast when he states, "The dog had
learned fire, and it wanted fire, or else to burrow under the snow and cuddle its
warmth away from the air" (London, 9). The dog's behavior reveals its ability to seek
warmth, while the protagonist remains unaware to the importance of fire until it is too
late.

Additionally, in the story, there is a notable passage that highlights the dog's
instinctual knowledge and its distinct separation from human understanding: "the dog
did not know anything about temperatures… But the animal sensed the danger"
(London, 9). This statement emphasizes that the dog's innate understanding of the
natural world is not dependent on human knowledge or intellectual reasoning. It
operates on a primal level, guided by instincts. The dog's ability to perceive danger,
even without a human's concepts of temperatures, underscores its deep connection
with the environment and its profound survival instincts. This aspect of the dog's
character further allows us to recognize the stark contrast between human perception
and the instinctual wisdom of the natural world. Through its survival instincts and
intuitive behavior, the dog symbolizes the fundamental laws of survival in the
wilderness.

III. The Dog as a Source of Comfort and Companionship

In the story, London portrays the dog as a companion who stands by the protagonist
even in the harshest of circumstances. As the protagonist becomes increasingly
desperate, the dog's presence servers as a connection to humanity. This intensifies the
protagonist's longing for warmth and companionship in an otherwise lonely and
barren environment.

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When the man's hands become numb due to extreme cold, he realizes one of the the
life-saving potential is the dog's warm body. London writes, "He would kill the dog
and bury his hands in the warm body until feeling returned to them" (London, 46).
This act of seeking shelter and physical warmth from the dog demonstrates the
protagonist's deep yearning for companionship and the desperate need for a
connection to another living being.

Furthermore, the dog's unwavering presence highlight the protagonist's isolation. As

the man struggles to survive and faces the imminent threat of freezing to death, the
dog remains at his side. London depicts this when he writes, “all the time the dog ran
with him, at his heels (London, 57)” Despite the dire circumstances, the dog's
steadfast presence offers a glimmer of companionship and emotional support.

Moreover, the dog's presence underscores the protagonist's longing for human warmth
and connection, as London states, “The warmth and security of the animal angered
him. (London, 57)” This interaction reveals the protagonist's yearning for warmth and
security, even from a dog companion, and highlights the emotional void that exists
within him.

The dog in "To Build a Fire" serves as a source of comfort and companionship for the
protagonist. Through its presence and loyalty, the dog relieves the protagonist's
feelings of isolation and points out his yearning for warmth and companionship. The
dog becomes a symbol of the protagonist's longing for human connection in an
otherwise desolate and unforgiving wilderness.

IV. The Dog as a Reflection of the Protagonist's Vulnerability

As the protagonist's physical condition deteriorates, the dog's resilience and

adaptability stand in contrast, reflecting the protagonist's vulnerability and
illuminating his gradual realization that survival in the wilderness requires not only
physical strength but also a deep understanding of the natural world.

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The protagonist's physical decline becomes increasingly apparent as the story

progresses. His movements become clumsy; his body weakened by the biting cold. In
contrast, the dog exhibits remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of the
harsh conditions. London illustrates this when he writes, " When he fell a second time,
the dog curled its tail over its feet and sat in front of him, facing him, curiously eager.
(London, 57)” The dog's ability to maintain its condition despite the challenging
circumstances emphasizes the protagonist's vulnerability and the widening gap
between their capabilities.

Furthermore, the dog's instincts and natural understanding of the environment become
evident throughout the story. In one instance, the dog hesitates and refuses to go
forward, sensing the impending danger of the thin ice. London describes the dog's
alertness and instincts by stating, “he made the dog go ahead. The dog did not want to
go” (London, 17) Possessing an intuitive understanding of the wilderness, the dog
highlights the protagonist's lack of innate connection with the natural world and
underscores his vulnerability in an environment where survival depends on instinctual
knowledge.

Moreover, the dog's ability to find shelter and sense danger showcases its deeper
understanding of the wilderness. London depicts this moment by stating, "it turned
and ran along the trail toward the camp it knew, where there were the other food
providers and fire providers" (London, 62). The dog's intuitive demonstrates its ability
to recognize and respond to the man’s death, highlighting the protagonist's tragic
ending in the unforgiving Yukon landscape.

The dog's resilience in contrast to the protagonist's vulnerability serve as a powerful

literary device in "To Build a Fire." As the protagonist's physical condition
deteriorates, the dog's ability to thrive in the harsh wilderness highlights the
protagonist's own vulnerability and emphasizes the importance of understanding and
respecting nature's laws for survival.

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V. Conclusion

In conclusion, "To Build a Fire" highlights the significance of the dog as a symbol
within the narrative. The dog's multifaceted role encompasses companionship,
survival instincts, and a mirror to the protagonist's vulnerabilities. Through its
interactions and contrasting qualities, the dog serves as a reminder of the protagonist's
flawed relationship with nature and his isolation in the unforgiving wilderness. By
examining the dog's representation, we are confronted with the harsh realities of
survival and the essential connection between humans and the natural world. Jack
London skillfully employs the dog as a literary device to convey profound themes and
evoke a deeper understanding of the human condition in the face of nature's
unforgiving forces.

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Citation

London, Jack. To Build a Fire: A Story. Wolf Creek Books Inc., 2003.