15045. THE PRAIRIE (JAMES FENIMORE COOPER). How three of the novel's characters represent three ways of humans interacting with nature: Ishmael Bush (the effort to conquer nature through force), Dr. Obed Bat (the effort to tame nature through science), and Natty Bumppo (the effort to live in harmony with nature). 7 pages, 26 footnotes, 5 bibliographic references.