The story ‘To Build a Fire’ records the struggle of a determined man for his very survival on an extremely cold day when the temperature is 75° below zero. Trailed by his dog he continues his journey. Man and his dog face tough weather but their reaction is quitely different. If the man in the story represents intellect, the dog represents pure instinct. The story highlights these two contrasting traits.

On the metaphorical level, it contrasts instinctive knowledge with intellectuality. Jack London’s main aim in writing this story is to make us aware of the value of instincts in life, particularly in extreme situations. Instincts are the best guide for survival in the harsh Yukon. Ironically, it is the dog who instinctively knows that cold conditions in which they – the man and the dog – are traveling are dangerous, while the man doesn’t, simply because of his faith in his intellect. So in spite of many advantages – thermometers, woollen clothes, maps, matches and a thinking brain – the man perishes, whereas the dog with only its protective fur and a keen sense of smell survives.