The Role of Nature and the Human Condition in The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

Expanding the Roles:
The Call of the Wild by Jack London follows Buck, a domesticated dog who is forced into the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness. As Buck becomes wild, the novel explores themes of survival, nature, and the primal instincts that lie within all creatures. For literature students, The Call of the Wild is a powerful exploration of nature’s influence on individuals and the human struggle for survival.

• Nature’s Influence on Identity:
  Buck’s transformation from a pampered pet to a powerful wild animal highlights the impact of nature on his identity. Students can analyze how London uses nature as both a force of destruction and a means of self-discovery.

• Survival and the Return to Primal Instincts:
  Buck’s journey is one of survival, where he must rely on his instincts to navigate the dangers of the wild. Literature students can explore how London portrays the idea that survival depends on tapping into one’s natural instincts and the often brutal reality of life in the wilderness.

What We Learn:
The Call of the Wild offers literature students insights into the primal instincts within all beings and the influence of nature on identity and survival. The novel underscores the tension between domestication and the wild, exploring the human desire for freedom and the consequences of embracing one’s raw instincts.