How To Build A Fire Naturalism

Naturalism and Science in London The Naturalistic viewpoint of how the forces of nature influence human life are expressed in the writings of naturalists, with the idea of scientific theory as an influence in the themes of their works. The writers of this time utilized ideas such as theory of evolution established by Charles Darwin, to describe how each individual species possesses attributes that make it unique. The instinctual agents which are inherited traits allow for animals to survive in their particular environments. This establishes the idea of deterministic environments which are also incorporated within their works as well. The deterministic environment challenges the characters and establishes the conflict of man vs nature. The …show more content…
Authors of naturalism describe nature as threatening and having relentless power, and its ability to show the shortcomings of man against nature. These connections can be seen when reading the work of “To Build a Fire” by Jack London. London expresses naturalistic views in “To Build A Fire” by incorporating scientific influences in his description of nature and its forces, the psychological influence in man, and evolutionary traits animals inherit. The first evidence of scientific influence in London's work in relation to naturalism is his depiction of nature and the explanation of nature's forces. The connection between science and naturalism is evident in how London describes nature. His description of nature is detailed and undistorted. He starts by describing the lack of sunlight giving the reader a sense of the setting, and the idea that it is winter time. Naturalistic writers focus on the the environment to express the influence of nature, and help draw readers into the story. The description of the season and the darkness associated with it establishes a sense of how nature influences daily living and how the environment is ever changing. The