To Build a Fire


Book Description

Describes the experiences of a newcomer to the Yukon when he attempts to hike through the snow to reach a mining claim.




Naturalism and Naturalist Elements in Jack London's Short Story “To Build a Fire” (1908)


Book Description

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - History of Literature, Eras, grade: 1,0, University of Passau, course: American Short Stories, language: English, abstract: The short story “To Build a Fire” written by Jack London was first published in 1908 and is seen as a “masterpiece of short fiction” (Reesman 39) and “his best short story” (Peterson 3). Jack London demonstrates in “To Build a Fire” a “strong narration, fresh fictional subject, and ability to create atmosphere” (Nuernberg XXXII). The story is furthermore claimed as his “most often cited example for naturalism” (Reesman 39), which came up in the 1880s and lasted until the 1940s. This literary movement is seen as an outgrowth of Realism with the addition of pessimistic determinism and was influenced by Social Darwinism (cf. Campbell). Thus the most characteristic for naturalist stories is the fact that people are helpless victims of unchangeable natural laws, a harsh environment and their inner “animal drives”. These attributes and the naturalist typical „man vs. nature‟-theme can also be found in “To Build a Fire” and other stories by Jack London, which is one of the most famous representative of naturalism. In the following pages the typical characteristics of stories written during the literary movement naturalism will be explained. Afterwards these elements will be pointed out in Jack London‟s story “To Build a Fire”. Last but not least, the question, whether “To Build a Fire” can be indicated as an example for naturalism will be discussed and finally answered.




Naturalism and Naturalist Elements in Jack London's Short Story to Build a Fire


Book Description

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject English - History of Literature, Eras, grade: 1,0, University of Passau, course: American Short Stories, language: English, abstract: The short story "To Build a Fire" written by Jack London was first published in 1908 and is seen as a "masterpiece of short fiction" (Reesman 39) and "his best short story" (Peterson 3). Jack London demonstrates in "To Build a Fire" a "strong narration, fresh fictional subject, and ability to create atmosphere" (Nuernberg XXXII). The story is furthermore claimed as his "most often cited example for naturalism" (Reesman 39), which came up in the 1880s and lasted until the 1940s. This literary movement is seen as an outgrowth of Realism with the addition of pessimistic determinism and was influenced by Social Darwinism (cf. Campbell). Thus the most characteristic for naturalist stories is the fact that people are helpless victims of unchangeable natural laws, a harsh environment and their inner "animal drives." These attributes and the naturalist typical man vs. nature -theme can also be found in "To Build a Fire" and other stories by Jack London, which is one of the most famous representative of naturalism. In the following pages the typical characteristics of stories written during the literary movement naturalism will be explained. Afterwards these elements will be pointed out in Jack London s story "To Build a Fire." Last but not least, the question, whether "To Build a Fire" can be indicated as an example for naturalism will be discussed and finally answered.




What Life Means to Me


Book Description

This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. We have represented this book in the same form as it was first published. Hence any marks seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.




Adventure Stories


Book Description

This text aims to capture the spirit of the American wilderness and its people, in the early 20th century. These youthful tales also include important social themes and ideas. By the age of 29, Jack London was the highest-paid and most widely read author in America, thanks to the huge popularity of The Call of the Wild, The Sea Wolf, and White Fang. Themes of these books also pervade this collection of short stories: survival though adaptation, compassion for the less fortunate, a respect for physical power in both man and nature, and the need for social justice.




The unparalleled invasion / Une invasion sans précédent / La invasión sin paralelo. Première édition trilingue / First trilingual edition (English, French, Spanish)


Book Description

The Unparalleled Invasion is a rare political anticipation short story written by Jack London and first published in McClure's in July 1910 and later in the book The Strength of the Strong (New York, Macmillan, 1914). The story begins in 1910s China. Under the influence of Japan, China modernizes and has its own Meiji Reforms. In 1922, China breaks away from Japan and fights a brief war that culminates in the Chinese annexation of the Japanese possessions of Korea, Formosa, and Manchuria. Over the next half century, China's population steadily grows, and eventually migration overwhelms European colonies in Asia. The United States of America and the other Western powers launch a biological warfare campaign against China, resulting in the decimation of China's population. China is then colonized by the Western powers.




A Piece of Steak


Book Description

"A Piece of Steak" was a short story written by Jack London which first appeared in the Saturday Evening Post in November 1909. It took him about half a month to write it and earned him five hundred dollars.




The Human Drift


Book Description

"The Human Drift" by Jack London is a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, society, and the forces that shape the course of civilization. Set against the backdrop of London's own philosophical views on social Darwinism and the dynamics of progress, the book delves into the evolution of humanity and the inevitable changes that society must undergo. This work combines elements of social commentary, philosophical insight, and naturalism, all hallmarks of London's writing style. In "The Human Drift," London contemplates the trajectory of human society, addressing the growing divide between the rich and the poor, the evolution of industrialization, and the shifting moral values in the modern world. Through a series of reflective essays and observations, London examines how humanity drifts towards a future shaped by greed, power, and technological advancement, often at the expense of individual freedoms and the natural world. His writing reveals the complexities of human ambition, the pursuit of survival, and the social forces that drive progress, for better or worse. "The Human Drift" is a keen, critical examination of the social, economic, and philosophical landscape at the turn of the 20th century. London's passionate advocacy for change and his critique of capitalist structures are deeply embedded in the narrative, urging readers to consider the cost of progress and the potential for human self-destruction. With vivid prose and sharp social insights, London challenges conventional wisdom and forces readers to reflect on the direction of society and their role within it. Readers are drawn to "The Human Drift" for its bold ideas, its exploration of social issues, and its timeless commentary on the human condition. The book appeals to those interested in sociology, economics, and philosophy, particularly in the context of social change and human evolution. Owning a copy of "The Human Drift" offers an opportunity to reflect on the current state of society and the forces that shape our world, making it a valuable addition to any library for readers who seek to understand the intersection of human nature and civilization.




If I Could Write this in Fire


Book Description

In her first book-length collection of nonfiction, Cliff interweaves reflections on her life in Jamaica, England, and the United States with a powerful and sustained critique of racism, homophobia, and social injustice. If I Could Write This in Fire begins by tracing her transatlantic journey from Jamaica to England, coalescing around a graceful, elliptical account of her childhood friendship with Zoe, who is dark-skinned and from an impoverished, rural background; the divergent life courses that each is forced to take; and the class and color tensions that shape their lives as adults. In other essays and poems, Cliff writes about the discovery of her distinctive, diasporic literary voice, recalls her wild colonial girlhood and sexual awakening, and recounts traveling through an American landscape of racism, colonialism, and genocide - a history of violence embodied in seemingly innocuous souvenirs and tourist sites.




The Cambridge Companion to Cormac McCarthy


Book Description

This book provides a sophisticated introduction to the life and work of Cormac McCarthy appropriate for scholars, teachers and general readers.