There were many magnificent writers who lived during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of the most magnificent was John Griffith Chaney, better known as Jack London. "He was among the most influential figures of his day"(Stasz), and "...one of the most attractive and romantic figures of his time"(Wissdorf 3). However, this success was not handed to him on a silver platter. "Jack London ascribed his literary success largely to hard work- to 'dig', as he put it"(Wissdorf 3). His life can be looked upon as a rags to riches story or a "poor-boy-turned-success"(Stasz). Along with his determination to escape poverty, many other things influenced his writings: socialistic views, geographical areas in which he had lived, and great philosophers. Jack London expressed his beliefs of social Darwinism as well as racialism by incorporating them as the main themes in his short story, "To Build a Fire".
             In order to completely understand the actions and beliefs of the man, the main character in "To Build a Fire", one must take a look at the way Jack London grew up. His family was very poor, but they were proud to be Americans. Since he started working at a very young age, he educated himself by borrowing books from the Oakland library. Due to the strenuous work his jobs required, Jack London became strong mentally and physically. He thought himself immune to accidents and failure, which brought upon his belief of being a rampant individualist. Jack London applied these life experiences to the character of the man. Therefore, the man believes that he can fight the severity of the harsh cold because he is superior to the natural elements of the earth and to the womanly man who gave him advice. This attitude of superiority was incorporated into many of London's writings. It is known as racialism, and many of &q
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