Choose one person from The call of the wild and explain how the author created him/ her. Share at least three elements of characterization and give examples of each for your chosen person. Your response should address each part of the question. Use details from the book to support each description
One person from "The Call of the Wild" is John Thornton, a kind-hearted and courageous man. The author, Jack London, masterfully creates Thornton through three key elements of characterization: physical appearance, actions, and dialogue.
Firstly, London emphasizes Thornton's physical appearance to convey his strength and nurturing nature. He describes Thornton as a big and muscular man with a soft voice, bright eyes, and a gentle smile. This is evident when Buck, the protagonist, first sees Thornton, and London writes, "He [Buck] had nothing to fear from them [Thornton's eyes]; they looked neither sideways nor backward but straight into his [Buck's] eyes with a level gaze. Other men saw to Buck's wants and they strove to make things easy for him, but they were not dogs"- emphasizing Thornton's powerful yet caring presence.
Secondly, London portrays Thornton through his actions, demonstrating his bravery and compassion. Thornton saves Buck from a brutal beating, earning the protagonist's loyalty. He leads a gold-seeking expedition into the wild and becomes an expert at surviving in the rugged environment. Moreover, Thornton risks his life to save Buck from drowning in an icy river, showcasing his selflessness. These actions establish Thornton as a selfless and heroic figure, committed to protecting and caring for those around him.
Lastly, London develops Thornton's character through his dialogue, revealing his wisdom and understanding of the wilderness. Thornton speaks sparingly, but when he does, his words carry great weight. For instance, when discussing survival in harsh conditions, he calmly advises his companions, "If a freeze up should come, an' this pool stick for a couple of days, they'd just have to stay on the riverbed and starve. I've seen that happen before." Thornton's concise yet insightful remarks depict him as a man of few words but abundant knowledge, respected and admired by those around him.
In conclusion, Jack London carefully crafts John Thornton's character in "The Call of the Wild" through physical appearance, actions, and dialogue. His strong and nurturing appearance, heroic actions, and wise and meaningful dialogue depict him as a kind-hearted and courageous man who forms a deep bond with Buck. London's attention to these three elements allows readers to understand Thornton's character fully and appreciate his role in the story.