Explain what the moral or ethical issues are in the story call of the wild
"The Call of the Wild" raises several moral and ethical issues throughout the story. Here are a few key ones:
1. Exploitation of animals: Throughout the novel, Buck, the main character, goes through a series of challenging situations that test his resilience and existence in the wilderness. The story highlights the moral dilemma of using animals for personal gain or selfish purposes, such as sled-pulling in freezing conditions. The exploitation of animals for human benefit raises questions about the ethics of treating animals as mere objects for our needs and desires.
2. Survival and instinct: As Buck adapts to the harsh Alaskan environment, he taps into his primitive instincts to survive. This raises ethical questions about the boundaries between civilization and the natural world. The novel challenges readers to contemplate the impact of society on our instinctual nature. Does the process of civilizing suppress our inherent instincts? And if so, is it ethical to ignore them?
3. Dominance and power struggles: The story alludes to the concept of hierarchy, dominance, and power struggles in both human and animal societies. Buck experiences the brutal reality of survival of the fittest as he learns to navigate and assert dominance in the pack. This raises ethical considerations regarding the abuse of power and the consequences of uncontrolled dominance, both in the animal kingdom and human society.
4. Violence and cruelty: "The Call of the Wild" does not shy away from portraying violent and brutal scenes, where animals and humans exhibit cruelty towards one another. This raises questions about the ethical implications of violence and its role in nature, as well as our responsibility towards preventing cruelty towards animals and other humans.
5. Freedom and captivity: The novel explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by society. Buck experiences both the boundless freedom of the Alaskan wilderness and the restrictive captivity of human control. This raises ethical concerns about the balance between personal liberty and societal expectations.
Overall, "The Call of the Wild" presents a range of moral and ethical issues, including animal exploitation, survival instincts, dominance dynamics, violence, and the conflict between freedom and captivity. It encourages readers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and the ethical considerations embedded in our interactions with animals and the environment.