Read the excerpt from Part 2 of “To Build a Fire.”

And all the time the dog ran with him, at his heels. When he fell down a second time, it curled its tail over its forefeet and sat in front of him, facing him, curiously eager and intent. The warmth and security of the animal angered him, and he cursed it till it flattened down its ears appeasingly. This time the shivering came more quickly upon the man. He was losing in his battle with the frost.

Which statement about this excerpt is correct?

This excerpt is part of the plot exposition. It expresses the theme that nature is a powerful force.
This excerpt is part of the falling action. It expresses the theme that nature is a powerful force.
This excerpt is part of the plot exposition. It expresses the theme that all roads lead back home.
This excerpt is part of the falling action. It expresses the theme that all roads lead back home.