The call of the wild

Definition

The call of the wild refers to the primal instincts and the natural, untamed side of animals that emerge when they are faced with survival in harsh environments. This term connects to themes of naturalism and realism, where characters often respond to external pressures and environments that shape their behavior and fate, highlighting the struggle between civilization and nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The call of the wild illustrates how characters may revert to their primal instincts when faced with challenges in nature, often reflecting a deeper commentary on human nature itself.
2. In realist and naturalist works, this theme emphasizes the conflicts between society's expectations and the inherent instincts of characters.
3. The concept highlights a transformation in characters, showing how external environmental factors can strip away the layers of civilization.
4. This idea also underscores a critique of modern society, suggesting that artificial constructs can lead individuals away from their true selves.
5. Literary examples often depict characters who must navigate both internal struggles and external forces, showcasing the tension between societal norms and natural instincts.

Review Questions

• How does the call of the wild represent the struggle between civilization and nature in realist literature?
  • The call of the wild symbolizes the tension between societal norms and natural instincts, as characters often face situations that force them to choose between adhering to civilized behavior or embracing their primal side. In realist literature, this struggle illustrates how characters are shaped by their environments, revealing the impact of external pressures on their choices and behaviors. The ultimate transformation of these characters serves as a powerful commentary on human nature and its intrinsic connection to the wild.
• Discuss how naturalist authors use the concept of the call of the wild to critique societal expectations.
  • Naturalist authors leverage the call of the wild to showcase how societal expectations can suppress innate instincts, leading to conflict within characters. By placing individuals in harsh environments, these authors reveal how external circumstances can strip away the veneer of civilization, forcing characters to confront their true selves. This critique emphasizes that societal constructs may not align with human nature, suggesting that survival depends on embracing one's primal instincts rather than conforming to artificial norms.
• Evaluate how the theme of the call of the wild reflects broader philosophical ideas about human existence and free will in literature.
  • The theme of the call of the wild invites an evaluation of philosophical ideas surrounding human existence and free will by positing that individuals are heavily influenced by their environments and instincts. This reflects a deterministic view where choices are shaped more by external factors than by conscious decisions. In exploring characters' transformations, literature raises questions about whether humans possess true agency or are simply responding to innate drives, leading to deeper discussions about identity, survival, and the essence of being.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, often portraying a deterministic view of life.

Survival of the Fittest: A concept popularized by Charles Darwin, referring to the idea that only those who adapt to their environments will survive, often used in literature to illustrate struggles in harsh conditions.

Primal Instincts: Innate behaviors or drives that are fundamental to an organism's survival and reproduction, often explored in literature to depict characters' return to their basic nature.