In the story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, there are three principal themes. They are respecting nature, and considering results of actions. The main theme, or universal truth, is heeding warnings. The themes are shown through the character and his actions. The main character in the story had an attitude that prevented him from heeding internal and external warnings. He did not respect nature"s power, and therefore he paid with his life. His attitude was arrogant and careless. The man had no imagination and only understood facts. He knew it was very cold and his body was numb,...
the dangers. "In a month, no man had come up or down that silent creek." Other people were wise enough not to travel. Even the man"s dog notices the "tremendous" cold. It wanted to stay by the fire and seek shelter. The man disregarded the warnings of nature, experience, and proof of the dangerous cold. He believed he was infallible.

The story effectively shows that failure to heed warnings will lead to adverse repercussions. In the main character"s case, it led to his death. The man"s attitude thwarts him from taking advice from people, events, facts, or even himself.