Brandon essay for the Call of the Wild
The Call of the Wild is a captivating and thought-provoking novel written by Jack London. It tells the story of a domesticated dog named Buck who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and survival in the harsh and unforgiving wilds of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.
One of the central themes of the novel is the primitive instincts that lie dormant within all of us. Buck, once a pampered and beloved family pet, is suddenly thrust into a world where only the fittest survive. London skillfully portrays the transformation of Buck from a domesticated dog to a wild and untamed alpha creature. Through his experiences, Buck learns to tap into his primitive instincts and adapts to the harsh realities of the wild.
Another theme that resonates throughout the novel is the correlation between nature and the human condition. The Call of the Wild highlights how humans' encroachment on nature has led to a deviation from their instinctual selves. The novel makes a powerful statement about the importance of reconnecting with nature and allowing our primal instincts to guide us. Buck's journey serves as a metaphor for human beings seeking to find meaning and purpose in a society that often suppresses their true nature.
Furthermore, the novel explores the concept of survival of the fittest. In the wild, there is no room for sentimentality or weakness. Buck must learn to be ruthless and cunning in order to survive and protect himself against the harsh wilderness and other dogs. This aspect of the novel demonstrates the brutal reality of life in the wild and underscores the inherent cruelty and indifference of nature.
Throughout the novel, London also presents an intriguing critique of human society. He paints a vivid picture of the dog-eat-dog world of the Klondike Gold Rush, where greed and corruption run rampant. The human characters in the novel are depicted as greedy and ruthless, driven solely by their desire for wealth and success. This critique of human society serves as a reminder of the primal, instinctual nature that lies beneath the façade of civilization.
In conclusion, Jack London's The Call of the Wild is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of the primal instincts within all of us, the correlation between humans and nature, survival of the fittest, and a critique of human society. The story of Buck's transformation from a domesticated dog to a wild and untamed creature serves as a powerful allegory for the search for meaning and purpose in a world that often suppresses our true nature. London's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make The Call of the Wild a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.