Call of the Wild and Darwinism

624 Words3 Pages
Naturalist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory expounds that individuals that most adapt to their environment are most likely to be successful, surviving and reproducing. The phrase “survival of the fittest” is commonly used to explain this theory. “Call of the Wild” by Jack London carries a theme of survival of the fittest. In the beginning of the story Buck is living a very comfortable life in California. He is kidnapped and sent to the primitive north, the Klondike to become a sled dog. As the protagonist in the novel, Buck demonstrates Darwin’s theory as he undergoes the change from domestic dog to wild dog and pack leader. Early in chapter 1 Buck begins to demonstrate his move to a more primitive self. After his kidnapping Buck tries to fight but is repeatedly choked and beaten until he is finally put in a crate. “And each time the joyful bark that trembled in Buck's throat was twisted into a savage growl.” (5, London). No longer was Buck’s happy voice being heard. It was replaced by a more primitive noise demonstrating the beginning of Buck’s survival instinct. We see Buck reverting to his primitive instincts more and more as chapter 1 progresses. When London writes “With a roar that was almost lionlike in its ferocity, he again hurled himself at the man.” (7, London), he refers to Buck’s roar and describes it as lion-like, using symbolism to engage the reader in Buck’s transformation. We witness Buck discovering and using instincts that he was unaware of, demonstrating his devolution as really an evolution. “That club was a revelation. It was his introduction to the reign of primitive law, and he met the introduction halfway. The facts of life took on a fiercer aspect; and while he faced that aspect uncowed, he faced it with all the latent cunning of his nature aroused.” (7, London). Kill or be killed, is
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