To Build a Fire
What external and internal forces must the man struggle against?
explain widely
explain widely
The man is struggling against the external forces of nature, and undeniably believing he has some sort of power over them. Internally, he's fighting against ignorance and arrogance, a tough order when it's negative fifty.
I use this story with my student yearly; you'll find a direct link to a summary and out discussion below;
http://kaie-arwen.hubpages.com/hub/Stretching-Minds-With-Short-Stories-To-Build-A-Fire