When considering literary realism and naturalism, there are many stories that come to mind. However, there is one I often think of that is extremely important to both genres. The short story I am referring one of the more popular stories of the realism and naturalist movement: “To Build a Fire” (1908) by Jack London. Much like how one feels after reading “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (1890) by Ambrose Bierce, “To Build a Fire” (1902) typically ignites an emotional reaction. Essentially, it has much to do with London’s ability to tell a story about humanity’s fight with nature, and its often despondent outcome.