About This Lesson
What should we think of self-reliant, enterprising, risk-taking individuals? Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of American individualism and independence by reading Jack London's short story, "To Build a Fire"(pdf below). Visit the following links for additional resources, including a study guide, biographical information and a video series of editors Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass discussing the story with scholar William Schambra. Aligned to Common Core State Standards: RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2 , RL.9-10.3