in 9th grade work and writing Choose one character from The Call of the Wild and explain how the author created him or her. Share at least three elements of characterization and give examples of each for your chosen character. it should address each part of the question. Use details from the book to support each description. One possible theme of The Call of the Wild could be that only the strongest survive. Explain how this relates to Darwin’s theory of natural selection and the survival of the fittest. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Is there one aspect with which you agree but another with which you do not?
Your answer should contain the following:
a full explanation of this theme and its connection to natural selection;
citation of supporting examples from the novel that illustrate the theme; and
your opinion and reasons.
One character from The Call of the Wild is Buck, the main protagonist of the novel. Jack London portrays Buck as a powerful and resilient dog who undergoes a transformation from a domesticated pet to a wild and savage creature.
One element of characterization for Buck is his strength and physical abilities. London describes Buck as a large and muscular dog, capable of pulling heavy sleds through the harsh Alaskan terrain. For example, when Buck is sold into the sled dog team, he quickly proves himself to be the strongest and most capable of the pack.
Another element of characterization for Buck is his adaptability and intelligence. Throughout the novel, Buck learns to navigate the dangerous and hostile environment of the Yukon wilderness. He learns to hunt for food, protect himself from predators, and ultimately survive on his own. For example, when Buck is faced with the challenge of fighting Spitz for leadership of the team, he cunningly picks his moment and defeats him in a brutal battle.
Lastly, Buck is characterized by his primal instincts and connection to the wild. As Buck embraces his wolf ancestry, he becomes more in tune with his natural instincts and loses his civilized manners. For example, as Buck joins a wolf pack in the end of the novel, he fully embraces his wild nature and finds his true place in the natural world.
The theme of "only the strongest survive" in The Call of the Wild is closely related to Darwin's theory of natural selection and the survival of the fittest. In Darwin's theory, species that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations. In the novel, Buck's transformation from a pampered pet into a fierce and dominant leader of the pack exemplifies this idea. Buck's physical strength, intelligence, and adaptability enable him to outlast and outcompete his rivals in the harsh wilderness, ultimately ensuring his survival.
Personally, I agree with the idea that survival of the fittest is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the wild. However, I do not believe that this idea should be applied to human society, where compassion, empathy, and cooperation are also important factors for survival and success. In the novel, Buck's journey highlights the importance of both physical strength and mental acuity in surviving the challenges of the wilderness, and serves as a powerful example of the harsh realities of nature.