People can be self-centered and immature, however, the crisis of some life events helps them shape their personality. Everyone in life goes through drastically life-changing events such as marriage, starting college, or traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one. The course of these events, whether exciting or unpleasant, has a significant impact on the person. These events can make people stronger, change their beliefs and their approach to life. This compelling theme is also present in the novel Yellow Dog by Martin Amis. Xan, the protagonist of the novel Yellow Dog, focuses entirely on his career as a writer and actor as opposed to his wife Pearl. He later remarries an independent woman and through her and certain circumstances he realizes the true importance of family. Furthermore, Xan tries to overcome every obstacle he comes up against as it makes his relationship with Russia vulnerable. The novel describes how Xan Meo, an unstable character, goes from being career-focused to a caring husband and father as he weathers the crisis of some events that reveal the true meaning of family and life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayXan Meo receives immense fame as an actor and writer. As a result of this importance, he begins to become more ignorant towards his wife, Pearl, and his children. Xan begins to think of Pearl as a caretaker instead of his wife. When their relationship reaches the point where Xan doesn't appreciate Pearl or their children, Pearl becomes angry and tells him, “He knew her, on and off, since childhood; and the lost world of their marriage was regressive or animalistic or even prehistoric – a land of lizards” (Amis 66). He shares his emotional thoughts about their twelve year long relationship which is coming to an end due to his neglectful attitude towards his family. After realizing the importance of his wife and children, Xan tries to pay attention to them, but it is too late. Xan and Pearl's relationship had become so tenuous that "[t]he two boys were on their knees begging their parents to separate" (Amis 66). Over the years of separation, arguments and silence between the adults have weakened Xan's relationship with his children. Due to the loneliness caused by the divorce, he begins to regret his hasty attitude towards his family and his decision to divorce. His wrong actions and carelessness cause him distress and he begins to remember the people who mattered in life, longing for family, relationships and love. Furthermore, a bold and independent female figure, Russia, in Xan's life brings him closer to his family. After a couple of months of depression and loneliness, Xan decides to marry an independent and bold woman named Russia. Russia completely reshapes Xan's lifestyle both professionally and personally. She encourages him to spend time with their two daughters, Sophie and Billie. For example, he bathed them on weekends and sometimes read them bedtime stories. In essence, Russia becomes a role model for Xan as it sets a great example for a working mother who balances her life between work and home. Russia is a much more independent and stable person than Xan's ex-wife, Pearl. As Russia's proud husband, Xan usually describes himself as "a fifty-fifty parent, a tender and punctual lover, a good provider, a fun companion, a versatile and unfussy all-rounder" (Amis 5). Russia has a significant impact on Xan's life, making him a father.