Nature's Indifference: The story implicitly alludes to the classic theme of nature's indifference to human life. This echoes the sentiment found in works like "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London himself, where the harshness of the natural world is a major factor.
The Power of Instinct: The dog's instincts serve as a foil to the man's misguided confidence. The dog's ability to sense danger and seek shelter is a subtle allusion to the power of instinct and the importance of listening to one's inner voice. This contrasts with the man's overreliance on his intellect and technology.
The Struggle for Survival: The man's fight against the cold and the elements is an allegory for the human struggle for survival. This theme is universal and found in countless works of literature, from classic epics to modern survival narratives.
The Futility of Human Effort: The man's ultimate failure to build a fire and survive despite his best efforts is a subtle allusion to the futility of human ambition and the limitations of human control. This resonates with themes explored in works like "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus, where the absurdity of human struggle is a central motif.
The Importance of Respect for Nature: The man's lack of respect for the warnings of both the old-timer and the dog signifies the importance of humility and understanding the power of nature. This alludes to the timeless cautionary tales about the consequences of human arrogance towards the natural world.
The Role of Fate: The man's death, despite his efforts, can be interpreted as a manifestation of fate or destiny, suggesting that some events are inevitable. This echoes the themes of fate and destiny explored in works like "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.
While these allusions aren't explicit references to specific works, they effectively tap into timeless human themes and experiences, adding depth and resonance to the story's central message about the power and indifference of nature.