Response To Jack London

When Hypothermia Sets In

Chilling winds, below freezing temperatures, and an ego the size of life itself. In the far away distance, there is hope for this stranger and his reluctant companion. Nevertheless, nature is his biggest enemy in this epic battle to survive. Compacted with foreshadowing and characterization, Jack London creates a rather bone-chilling story of one man’s pride and lack of self-doubt, conflicting his only chance of survival.

There was a hard explosive crackle that startled him….He knew that at fifty below, spittle crackled on the snow but this spittle crackled in the air” London packs this story with countless examples of foreshadowing. In this instance, London is referring to the cold, winter weather. In almost every sentence, there is some reference to the chilly foe. And because of this, the reader is expectant of the termination of the foolish man. Yet, throughout the story, the heeding of an old man seems to haunt the man. The wise man warned him of the dangers of traveling alone. Still, despite all of this, the man was dimwitted enough to continue the reckless path. Throughout the book, slowly, the man realizes his shivering fate.

With an abundance of pride, this man was traveling the Yukon Territory in unbearable conditions. Known as the new guy, his ego continues to hinder his ability to make good decisions. The story refers to the man as a “cheechako and this was his first winter…he was quick and alert in the things of life but only in the things, and not in the significances” Even so,

when it seems like he has the upper hand, nature comes and throws a frosty curveball into his path. Slowly, London unveils the feeling of fear in the man’s hypothermic heart.

In this blood-chilling story, London uses characterization and foreshadowing to