Lance is writing a literary analysis of “to build a fire” and its connection to historical events. which is the best example of a clear topic sentence for his analysis? jack london’s short story “to build a fire” is excellent reading for high school students who enjoy adventure stories in natural settings. many turn-of-the-century prospectors were unsuccessful in their quest for treasure, as jack london depicts in “to build a fire.” i feel that jack london is trying to teach his readers a lesson about caring more passionately for the environment. this short story shows that life was difficult in canada before technology connected people around the world.