What detail from build fire help develop a theme about instinct verses intellect?

Answer 1

In "To Build a Fire," the protagonist's reliance on intellect and reason ultimately leads to his downfall, contrasting sharply with the instinctual wisdom of the old-timer who advises against traveling alone in extreme cold. The man's overconfidence in his ability to conquer nature through rational thought underlines the theme that instinct, honed by experience, often proves more valuable than intellectual reasoning in survival situations. As he confronts the harsh realities of the Yukon wilderness, his failure to heed instinctive warnings highlights the dangers of dismissing natural intuition in favor of calculated plans. Ultimately, the story illustrates that survival often depends on respecting and understanding the instincts that guide us in perilous circumstances.