The protagonist embarks on a perilous journey in extreme weather conditions, despite the warnings of an elder. The story explores the conflict between human knowledge and animal instinct, with man's knowledge ultimately failing her while animal instinct saves her. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay From the beginning of the story, London highlights the vanity of man's knowledge. The man is proud to accept the challenge of walking in freezing temperatures, but he does not fully grasp the significance of the weather because he is a newcomer to the area. On the other hand, the animal seems to be wary of the dangers that await it and relies on its instinct. This conflict between knowledge and instinct becomes more apparent when the man forces the dog to drive. The man believes that the spring in the area never freezes and that the snow at the top hides the hidden traps. However, the dog falls into a trap but quickly recovers, relying on his survival instinct. When man himself gets his feet wet, his knowledge fails him and he suffers from frostbite. On the other hand, the dog's instinct prevents it from freezing its paws and facing death. While the story explores various themes, such as man's struggle against nature, the conflict between knowledge and instinct is most prominent. This conflict is evident in man's destiny: despite his knowledge, he fails in his mission and in his ability to survive in difficult conditions. His knowledge even leads him to believe that running will save him, but this ultimately proves futile. On the other hand, the dog, thanks to its basic instinct, is able to survive harsh conditions. The story raises questions about human superiority and intellect. Humans often pride themselves on their intellectual abilities, but when it comes to surviving in hostile environments, animals, who rely solely on instinct, often fare better. This highlights the limits of human knowledge and the power of instinct. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, “To Build a Fire” explores the conflict between knowledge and instinct. , highlighting the limits of human knowledge in the face of the ferocity of nature. The story serves as a reminder that while knowledge is valuable, instinct can be a powerful tool for survival. London, Jack. "To make a fire."