A Study Of Jack London’s Belief In Darwinism

A Study of Jack London’s Belief in Darwinism

Jack London has a strong belief in Darwinism, survival of the fittest, during the
late 1800’s through the early 1900’s, when he wrote. Throughout his writings, many
characters display London’s belief in Darwinism. In the novel, The Call of the Wild, Jack
London’s belief in the Darwinian Jungle is portrayed by animals interacting with humans,
each other, and the environment. This can be shown through Buck, a house dog turned
sled dog, interacting with his masters, other dogs, and the Yukon wilderness.
As Buck travels from master to master throughout the course of the novel he
learns, through trial and error, what behavior brings rewards, and that which brings
punishment.
[Buck] had never been struck by a club in his life, and did
not understand. ...he was [now] aware that it was a club,
but his madness knew no caution. A dozen times he
charged, and as often the club broke the charge and smashed
him down (London 18).
Buck “...had learned the lesson, and in all his after life he never forgot it. That club was a
revelation. ...the lesson was driven home to Buck: a man with a club was a lawgiver, a
master to be obeyed...” (London 20). Buck learned to do as his masters say. “...he grew
honestly to respect them. He speedily learned that Perrault and Francois were fair men...”
(London 21). Buck also learned when and how to defend himself against man. Londons
depiction of Buck’s struggle to learn how to...

A Study Of Jack London’s Belief In Darwinism

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