The Call of the Wild is a classic novel written by Jack London that was published in 1903. It is a story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his home in California and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. The novel is set against the harsh and unforgiving backdrop of the Yukon Territory during the turn of the 20th century.
The novel is not just a story of survival but also an allegory for the human condition. The story explores the themes of nature, civilization, and the struggle between the two. The novel portrays the conflict between the natural world and the civilized world, and how this conflict affects the characters in the story. The character of Buck represents the struggle between the wild and the civilized, and his journey is a metaphor for the human condition.
Background of ‘The Call of the Wild’
Jack London’s ‘The Call of the Wild’ is a literary classic that tells the story of Buck, a domestic dog who is stolen from his home in California and sold into the brutal world of the Alaskan Yukon during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The novel was first published in 1903 and is considered to be one of London’s greatest works.
London’s own experiences as a gold prospector in the Yukon influenced the novel’s setting and themes. The harsh and unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon serves as a backdrop for Buck’s journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The novel is often considered an allegory for the human condition and the struggle for survival in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. London’s vivid descriptions of the natural world and his portrayal of Buck’s journey from a domesticated pet to a wild and savage animal are powerful and evocative.
The Allegorical Layers
The Call of the Wild is an allegory that operates on multiple levels, presenting both a surface-level story and a symbolic or metaphorical layer beneath it. The following table shows the different allegorical layers in the novel:
| Allegorical Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Animals | The animals in the novel represent different human characteristics. For example, Buck represents the primal nature of humans, while Spitz represents the evil and aggression in humans. |
| Nature | Nature is a major allegorical element in the novel. It represents the harshness of life and the struggle for survival. The different environments that Buck encounters throughout the novel also represent different stages of his spiritual journey. |
| The Call | The Call is a wild force that beckons Buck to immerse himself in nature. It represents the primal instincts that humans have lost in modern society. The Call is also a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life. |
| Human Society | The human characters in the novel represent different aspects of human society. For example, the different owners that Buck has throughout the novel represent different types of authority figures, such as the benevolent leader and the cruel dictator. |
Character Symbolism
In “The Call of the Wild,” Jack London uses animal characters to symbolize different human traits and emotions. Buck, the protagonist, represents the wild and untamed spirit of nature. He is a symbol of freedom, strength, and power. In contrast, the other dogs represent the domesticated world of humans, where they are used for work and companionship.
Spitz, the lead sled dog, represents the evil and cruel side of humanity. He is cunning, vicious, and selfish. He constantly tries to undermine Buck’s position in the pack and ultimately leads to his downfall. On the other hand, John Thornton, Buck’s final owner, represents the good and kind side of humanity. He is a symbol of love, loyalty, and compassion. He saves Buck’s life multiple times and ultimately enables him to fulfill his destiny in the wild.
Another important character in the novel is the lone wolf. He represents the ultimate goal of Buck’s journey – to become one with nature. The wolf is a symbol of freedom, independence, and wildness. Buck sees him as a kindred spirit and ultimately joins him in the wild.
Themes and Motifs
The Call of the Wild is an allegory that explores various themes and motifs. The following are some of the most prominent ones:
Themes
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Civilization vs. Nature: The novel explores the tension between civilization and the natural world. Buck, the protagonist, is a domesticated dog who is forced to adapt to the harsh realities of life in the wild. His journey highlights the contrast between the comforts of civilization and the dangers of the natural world.
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Survival: Survival is a key theme in the novel. Buck must learn to survive in the wild and adapt to the rules of the pack. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human (or canine) spirit and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
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Freedom: The novel explores the concept of freedom and what it means to be truly free. Buck’s journey is a quest for freedom, both physical and emotional. His transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild animal highlights the importance of freedom in the human experience.
Motifs
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Violence: Violence is a recurring motif in the novel. From the man in the red sweater’s beating of Buck to the fights between the dogs, violence is a constant presence in the story. It serves as a reminder of the brutal realities of life in the wild and highlights the importance of strength and survival.
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Transformation: Transformation is another key motif in the novel. Buck’s journey from a domesticated dog to a wild animal is a testament to the power of transformation and adaptation. His evolution highlights the importance of change and growth in the human experience.
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The Wild: The concept of the wild is central to the novel. It serves as a symbol of freedom, danger, and the unknown. Buck’s journey into the wild highlights the importance of exploring the unknown and embracing the challenges that come with it.
Historical Context
The Call of the Wild is a novel written by Jack London and published in 1903. The story is set during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s, a time when many people migrated to the Yukon Territory in Canada in search of gold. The novel was inspired by London’s own experiences during the gold rush, as he spent a year in the Yukon Territory working as a gold prospector.
During this time, London became fascinated by the dogs that were used to pull sleds across the frozen landscape. The dogs were a crucial part of the transportation system in the region, and many of them were bred specifically for this purpose. London was particularly interested in the relationship between the dogs and their human handlers, and he began to see the dogs as a metaphor for the struggle between civilization and the natural world.
The Call of the Wild is often seen as an allegory for this struggle, with Buck, the novel’s main character, representing the natural world and his human handlers representing civilization. Buck is taken from his comfortable life as a pet in California and forced to work as a sled dog in the harsh conditions of the Yukon Territory. As he adapts to his new life, Buck begins to tap into his primal instincts and becomes more in tune with the natural world around him.
London’s novel was published during a time of great change in the world, as many people were beginning to question the role of civilization in society. The Industrial Revolution had brought about many technological advancements, but it had also led to the destruction of natural habitats and the exploitation of natural resources. The Call of the Wild can be seen as a commentary on these issues, as London uses Buck’s journey to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Literary Devices and Techniques
The Call of the Wild is a novel that uses various literary devices and techniques to convey its allegorical themes. Some of these devices and techniques include:
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Symbolism: The novel is full of symbols that represent various aspects of life. For example, Buck’s journey from a domesticated dog to a wild one symbolizes the human journey from civilization to nature. Similarly, the sled dogs represent different social classes, and their treatment by humans represents the treatment of different social classes by society.
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Imagery: The novel uses vivid imagery to describe the harshness of the wilderness, the brutality of the humans, and the beauty of nature. The imagery helps the reader to visualize the world of the novel and to understand the emotions of the characters.
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Personification: The novel personifies the dogs and other animals, giving them human-like qualities such as emotions, thoughts, and desires. This technique helps the reader to empathize with the animals and to understand their struggles.
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Foreshadowing: The novel uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and to build suspense. For example, when Buck first hears the call of the wild, it foreshadows his eventual transformation into a wild dog.
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Irony: The novel uses irony to highlight the differences between the civilized world and the wild world. For example, the dogs that are mistreated by humans are actually better off in the wild, where they can be free and live according to their instincts.