The struggle between man and nature is a common theme in many literary works. Some exaggerate the role of nature or man; However, this story exposes the weaknesses of both sides and offers an interesting twist. Through the use of flat, round characters, involved in a specific life-changing event, this will lead to a role reversal that proves that nature will truly trump nurture in certain situations. Mr. London involves the reader and sets up the plot through specific uses of character, point of view and demonstrates his point of view on who will be the victor. The two characters in this story are the old man and his wolf-bred sled dog. The stories are told from the man's point of view and immediately show him as the master of his situation. This character would be considered round because of the three-dimensional aspect in which it depicts him. He has a background in which he describes himself as being new to the area. Because he is a greenhorn, he is unsure of the risks that a particular wilderness entails. Unfortunately, he is also ignorant, stating: "The problem with him was that he was unimaginative." He was lively and attentive to the things of life, but only in the things, and not in their meaning” (London 1058). The character is presented in a way that the reader can sympathize with his plight. At the time this story was written, there were still those who remembered the untamed frontiers and the risk and danger they posed to the average man, but he was not an average man. He was an entrepreneur and an explorer. The character was built with the same elements that most Americans thought they were built with. However, he has flaws and his flaws are those passed on to him by his parents, in his genes. ...... middle of paper ...... in sight. Jack London is known for his ability to highlight the fact that nature will win. This story specifically highlights the dog's ability to overcome through superior breeding for such environments. Man, or any man, cannot always think of himself outside of situations; sometimes our genes are essential for survival. The animal in this story is an anti-hero of sorts, designed to change the way we view our animal companions. Through the use of dynamic characters, different points of view and difficult and seemingly unbeatable situations, Jack London has provided a believable storyline in which man's vulnerable nature is exposed. Works Cited London, Jack. “To light a fire.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Baym, Nina, Jeanne Campbell Reesman and Arnold Krupat. 7th ed. New York: WW Norton & Co., 2007. 1057-67. Print