The call of the wild

Definition

The call of the wild refers to the deep instinctual pull towards nature and survival that certain creatures, including humans, experience when faced with primal challenges. This theme is prevalent in literature, especially in works that highlight the natural world’s influence on individuals' lives, connecting to ideas of raw instinct and the struggle between civilization and the wild.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The call of the wild highlights the tension between civilization and the untamed forces of nature, showcasing how characters are transformed by their experiences in the wilderness.
2. Jack London’s novel 'The Call of the Wild' serves as a foundational text for exploring themes of naturalism, depicting the brutal realities of survival in a harsh environment.
3. The concept illustrates the innate instincts that come alive in characters when they are pushed to their limits, revealing deeper truths about their nature.
4. Naturalism emphasizes how environment and heredity shape characters' behaviors, reinforcing the idea that 'the call of the wild' is not just a physical journey but also an internal struggle.
5. This theme resonates with Darwinian ideas about survival of the fittest, showing how characters must adapt or perish in the face of primal challenges.

Review Questions

• How does 'the call of the wild' illustrate the principles of naturalism in literature?
  • 'The call of the wild' exemplifies naturalism by portraying characters who are deeply influenced by their environment and instinctual drives. In Jack London’s work, for instance, Buck's transformation from a domesticated dog into a fierce survivor demonstrates how external conditions and inherent instincts shape behavior. This focus on realism highlights how nature plays a crucial role in determining one's fate, consistent with naturalistic themes that emphasize determinism.
• In what ways does Darwin's theory impact the understanding of 'the call of the wild' in literary contexts?
  • 'The call of the wild' reflects Darwinian concepts by emphasizing adaptation and survival as key themes. Characters face dire challenges that test their instincts and ability to evolve in order to survive. This connection to Darwin's theory underscores how those who cannot adapt may perish, thus illustrating a broader commentary on nature and existence as influenced by evolutionary principles. Such interpretations enrich our understanding of character motivations and plot developments within this literary framework.
• Evaluate how 'the call of the wild' serves as both a literal and metaphorical journey in literature, particularly regarding personal transformation.
  • 'The call of the wild' operates on multiple levels as both a literal journey into nature and a metaphorical exploration of identity and transformation. Characters like Buck undergo significant changes as they navigate the wilderness, shedding societal expectations while discovering their true selves through primal instincts. This duality reflects deeper philosophical questions about what it means to be human versus animal, pushing readers to consider how much of our identity is shaped by culture versus innate instinct, thus prompting profound reflections on self-discovery and personal evolution.

Related terms

Survivalism: A lifestyle or philosophy focused on self-reliance and preparedness for emergencies, often emphasizing skills and knowledge necessary to live off the land.

Primitivism: An artistic and cultural movement that advocates for a return to a more simplistic and primitive way of life, often idealizing the natural world over modern civilization.

Anthropomorphism: The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, often used in literature to explore complex themes through animal characters.