Final answer:
The novel 'The Sea Wolf' by Jack London illustrates Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly the 'will to power' and master-slave morality, through the character Wolf Larsen and the crew's interactions, reflecting a survivalist depiction of humanity within a Darwinian reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence of Friedrich Nietzsche in Jack London's novel The Sea Wolf is substantial, particularly through the character of Wolf Larsen. Nietzsche's philosophy, especially the concept of the will to power and the distinction between master morality and slave morality, is vividly embodied in Larsen. Larsen represents Nietzsche's 'master morality,' valuing strength, dominance, and self-assertion, while the crew exhibits 'slave morality,' defined by weakness, passivity, and subservience.
Nietzsche's ideas on the nature of humanity and the rejection of Judeo-Christian moral values as a form of control over the naturally strong reverberate throughout the pages, painting a stark picture of human struggle and the drive for power. Furthermore, the concept that 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger' plays out in the characters' relentless fight for survival and power amidst the vast, indifferent sea. In conclusion, The Sea Wolf serves as a narrative exploration of Nietzschean principles, depicting a Darwinian world where power and existential tenacity dictate the rules of engagement.