The materials used in building the house in the story might be reflective of the materials available during the time it was set. For example, if it was set in an era where wood was the primary building material, then that would be a true - to - life element. Also, the need for a house for shelter, which is a basic human requirement, is a real - life aspect incorporated into the story. However, the story might exaggerate or simplify these elements for the sake of the narrative.
In 'The House That Jack Built', the idea of a person taking on the task of building a house by himself could be inspired by real - life self - sufficient individuals. In many rural or pioneer communities, people had to build their own homes with their own hands. The story also might show some of the social aspects that were true in such communities, like neighbors perhaps helping out or the pride in one's own creation. But at the same time, the story has been crafted with fictional details to make it more interesting, such as the rhyming pattern and some of the more comical or dramatic events.
One possible true story element could be the construction process of the house. The steps of building a house like laying the foundation, putting up the walls, etc., are real - life procedures that could be based on how houses were actually built in the past.