Novel/Theme: The theme of power in "The Call of the Wild".
In Jack London's novel "The Call of the Wild," the theme of power is prominent throughout the story. From the beginning, Buck, the protagonist, exerts his power over the other dogs in the pack, establishing himself as the leader. This power is challenged when he is sold into slavery, and he must use his strength and cunning to survive in the harsh environment of the Klondike. Throughout the novel, London explores the different forms of power that exist in the world and the complex relationships between those who wield it.
The first example of power in the novel is Buck's dominance over the other dogs in the pack. When he arrives at the estate of Judge Miller, Buck quickly establishes himself as the leader, asserting his authority over the other dogs. "But Buck was neither house-dog nor kennel-dog. The whole realm was his. And over this great demesne Buck ruled" (London 3). This power is further emphasized by the fact that Buck is not a house-dog or a kennel-dog, but a wild animal who has never been domesticated. This demonstrates the innate power that Buck possesses, and his ability to assert his dominance over others.
However, Buck's power is challenged when he is sold into slavery and forced to work as a sled dog in the Klondike. Here, he must use his strength and cunning to survive in the harsh environment, and he quickly learns that the rules of power are different in this new world. "He had learned that it was good to obey, to do as he was told. But he had also learned that power was something that belonged to the man with the club, not to the dog on the chain" (London 25). In this new environment, Buck must learn to navigate the complex power dynamics between man and animal, and to use his wits as well as his physical strength to survive.
As Buck becomes more accustomed to his new life as a sled dog, he begins to assert his power once again, challenging the other dogs in the pack and even the humans who control them. However, this power comes at a cost, as Buck must endure brutal beatings and cruel treatment in order to maintain his dominance. "A dozen times he charged, and as often the club broke the charge and smashed him down. After a particularly fierce blow, he crawled to his feet, too dazed to rush" (London 37). This demonstrates the brutal nature of the power struggle in the Klondike, and the sacrifices that must be made in order to survive.
In the end, Buck emerges as the ultimate victor, having proven himself to be the strongest and most powerful dog in the pack. However, this victory comes at a price, as Buck has become a wild animal once again, no longer able to live among humans. "He was sounding the deeps of his nature, and of the parts of his nature that were deeper than he, going back into the womb of Time" (London 50). This demonstrates the transformative power of the Klondike, and the ways in which it has changed Buck into a more savage and primal creature.
Overall, the theme of power in "The Call of the Wild" is explored through the complex relationships between animals and humans, and the ways in which power can be both a source of strength and a burden to bear. Through Buck's journey, London demonstrates the many different forms that power can take, and the sacrifices that must be made in order to wield it.
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