Describe the transformation that the characters undergo. in the call of the wild
"The Call of the Wild," written by Jack London and published in 1903, is a novel about the transformation of a domesticated dog into a creature ruled by the laws of nature and instinct. The key character who undergoes the most significant transformation is Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix.
Buck's transformation can be charted through the various stages of his life:
1. Domesticated Pet: At the start of the novel, Buck lives comfortably in California on Judge Miller's estate. He is a domestic dog, pampered and well taken care of, and has no experience with the harsh realities of survival.
2. Kidnapped and Thrown into Chaos: Buck's life takes a drastic turn when he is dognapped and sold into service in the Klondike region of Canada during the Gold Rush. This abrupt shift forces Buck to start adapting to a harsher environment, far from the luxurious life he previously had.
3. Learning the Law of Club and Fang: As Buck becomes a sled dog, he learns the "law of club and fang," understanding the importance of strength and the necessity of adhering to the demands of his human masters, who prove to be both cruel and kind. This is a significant shift from the civilized life he knew, as he learns to take food by force and defend himself against other dogs.
4. The Fight for Leadership: Over time, Buck competes for the position of lead sled dog. He begins tapping into his primal instincts, relying on cunning and power, eventually defeating the current lead dog, Spitz. This marks a significant step in his transformation from domestic to wild animal, as he becomes the pack leader.
5. Growing Independence: Buck continues to evolve, gradually serving various owners of differing temperaments. Each of these human companions shape Buck's experience and further his detachment from civilized life as he grows more independent, carrying out tasks out of respect or affection rather than just obedience.
6. Bond with John Thornton: When Buck eventually meets John Thornton, he experiences a deep bond and loyalty, leading to a period of respite and love. However, this period does not last, as later events prompt Buck to answer the call of the wild fully.
7. Answering the Call of the Wild: In the wake of tragedy, Buck heeds the primordial call that has been burgeoning within him. He starts to spend more time in the wild, hunting like his wolf ancestors and gradually becoming indifferent to the world of men.
8. Becoming Part of Nature: By the end of the novel, Buck has fully embraced his wild instincts. He becomes a legend of the wilderness, leading a pack of wolves and responding to the wild as a creature untamed and free, embodying the true spirit of the wilderness.
Thus, "The Call of the Wild" is a powerful story of transformation and the triumph of instinct over civilization, epitomized in the metamorphosis of Buck from a domesticated pet to a creature of the wild. Buck's journey is a reflection on the resilience and adaptive nature of animals when faced with the immense challenges posed by both humanity and the natural environment.