Final answer:
The provided texts detail characters' struggles to survive in harsh conditions by creating fire, highlighting themes of human perseverance against nature, survival, and the dire consequences of failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of struggle against the harshness of nature is a central element in the passages provided. Primarily, the characters are faced with the arduous task of creating fire in life-threatening conditions.
One passage describes a desperate and dangerous situation where the character's flesh is burning as he attempts to light a fire with matches. The urgency and peril in his struggle against the cold are palpable.
Similarly, the other excerpts also depict characters dealing with life-threatening situations caused by cold environments or fires destroying property, such as in the scenario where Lassiter ignites Withersteen House.
The excruciating pain and life-threatening consequences of failure showcase the characters' endurance, ingenuity, and determination to survive.
Their experiences can be related to instances such as Operation Desert Storm, where the control of fire - whether for survival or as an act of war - plays a crucial role. The looming threat of death, either from the cold or from other forces, is a constant presence.
Despite the adversity, moments of triumph occur, such as lighting the birch-bark despite numb fingers and overcoming the initial failure to establish a fire. These moments underscore the theme that human perseverance can sometimes triumph over even the most unforgiving natural forces.