Explain how this theme is developed throughout the story of White Fang. (What are some of the events that show the theme evolving?)
The main theme of White Fang is the conflict between nature and nurture, or in other words, the struggle between instinct and education. This theme is developed throughout the story in a number of ways.
At the beginning of the story, White Fang is raised in the wild by his wolf mother and learns to survive through instincts such as hunting and fighting. However, as he is captured by humans and brought into civilization, he is subjected to the influence of human behavior and language. He is raised with love and affection by Weedon Scott, a man who shows him kindness and teaches him how to be a good dog. This causes a moral and intellectual struggle within White Fang as he tries to reconcile his wild instincts with what he has learned from his owner.
One of the most significant events in the story is when White Fang defends Weedon Scott's family from intruders. This shows that despite his instinctual nature, White Fang has been able to develop loyalty, empathy, and protection for his human family.
Another event that demonstrates the theme is when White Fang is taken to a dog fight. This brings out his aggressive and violent nature as he fights fiercely and nearly kills his opponent. This shows the negative influence of human behavior and how it can corrupt an animal's natural instincts.
Overall, White Fang's experience throughout the story shows how the conflict between nature and nurture can shape an animal's behavior and personality. It highlights the importance of education and love in shaping an animal's identity and behavior.
The theme developed throughout the story of White Fang is the struggle between civilization and instinct. This theme is explored through various events and character development.
1. White Fang's birth and early life: The story begins with White Fang being born in the wild, where survival of the fittest is the law. He learns to rely solely on his instincts to survive in the harsh environment. This early part of the story portrays the dominance of instinct over civilization.
2. White Fang's transition to the human world: After being captured by Native Americans, White Fang gradually begins to experience human civilization. He is exposed to human rules, such as obeying commands and interacting with his new owner, Grey Beaver. This marks the beginning of his struggle to reconcile his wild instincts with the expectations of civilized society.
3. Grey Beaver's treatment of White Fang: Grey Beaver raises White Fang with a mixture of kindness and cruelty. He punishes and brutalizes White Fang when he disobeys, but also rewards him when he behaves properly. Through Grey Beaver's treatment, the theme of the struggle between civilization and instinct is further developed, as White Fang is both nurtured and tamed by human control.
4. White Fang's encounter with Beauty Smith: Beauty Smith, a cruel and sadistic man, forcefully takes ownership of White Fang. Under Beauty Smith's influence, White Fang experiences the destructive side of civilization. He is beaten and forced to fight other dogs for profit, emphasizing the negative effects of a corrupted, savage civilization.
5. Weeden Scott's positive influence: Weeden Scott saves White Fang from Beauty Smith and provides him a loving and caring environment. Scott's patience and understanding gradually help White Fang overcome his brutal instincts and adapt to a more civilized way of life. Through Scott's guidance, the theme of the struggle between civilization and instinct reaches a critical point, as White Fang begins to embrace his more domestic side.
6. White Fang's final transformation: As White Fang faces new challenges and encounters new experiences, he learns to navigate the complexities of human civilization while not being completely detached from his natural instincts. His final transformation shows the evolution of the theme throughout the story. White Fang's journey reflects the constant battle between the wild and the civil within himself, ultimately finding a balance between the two.
These events and character developments in White Fang illustrate the theme of the struggle between civilization and instinct, showcasing the continuous evolution and transformation of the main character as he grapples with his wild nature in the context of human society.
The theme that evolves throughout the story of White Fang is the concept of nature versus nurture. To understand how this theme is developed, it is crucial to analyze the events and character developments in the novel.
1. White Fang's birth: The story begins with the birth of White Fang, a wolf-dog hybrid, in the wild. This introduces the innate, instinctual nature within him while also hinting at the influence of his wild environment.
2. Grey Beaver's ownership: White Fang is captured and tamed by a Native American named Grey Beaver, who becomes his first owner. This event portrays the early nurturing aspect of White Fang's life. Under Grey Beaver's guidance, White Fang learns obedience and loyalty.
3. Beauty Smith's cruelty: Later in the story, White Fang falls into the hands of a cruel and abusive man named Beauty Smith. This event highlights the negative influence of an individual's actions and its impact on White Fang's behavior. White Fang becomes aggressive and defensive due to the cruelties he endures.
4. Scott's ownership: White Fang's life takes another turn when he is rescued by a man named Weedon Scott. Scott treats White Fang with kindness, compassion, and patience. As a result, White Fang's aggressive nature begins to subside, and he starts to display more gentle and loyal behaviors.
5. White Fang's loyalty to Scott: As the story progresses, White Fang's loyalty to Scott deepens. He becomes fiercely protective of Scott and his family, showcasing the impact of nurturing and positive relationships on his development.
Throughout these events, we see the theme of nature versus nurture evolving. White Fang's innate wild nature, coupled with the varying environments and people he encounters, shape his behavior and character. The story demonstrates the constant tug-of-war between his instinctual nature and the impact of those who influence and nurture him.