ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | ANIMAL & NATURE
Article Published on: 03RD JUNE 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" is a profound exploration of the primal forces within nature and the inherent instincts that lie dormant in domesticated beings. The novel uses animals as powerful symbols to convey themes of spirituality, power, and the intrinsic connection between living creatures and the wild. Three animals in particular—Buck, Spitz, and the wolves—stand out as key symbols of these themes, each representing different facets of the spiritual and powerful elements of the natural world.
Buck: The Journey to Primal Power
Buck, the protagonist, is the most significant symbol in "The Call of the Wild." He starts as a domesticated dog living a comfortable life in California but is kidnapped and sold into the harsh environment of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. This drastic change in environment sets the stage for Buck's transformation from a tame, civilized pet to a powerful, wild creature.
Buck's journey is emblematic of a spiritual awakening. Initially, he struggles against the brutal realities of his new life, but gradually, his dormant primal instincts begin to surface. This transformation is not just physical but deeply spiritual. Buck's connection to the wild represents a return to an essential, uncorrupted state of being, free from the constraints of human civilization. The call of the wild is, in essence, the call to Buck's true nature, a summoning to embrace his inherent strength and instincts.
Throughout the novel, Buck's increasing power and leadership are marked by his encounters with other dogs and the wilderness itself. His final ascension to leadership after defeating Spitz, the original alpha dog, signifies his full embrace of his primal power. Buck's final liberation, joining a wild wolf pack, symbolizes his ultimate spiritual transcendence, as he completely integrates into the wild and fulfills his destiny.
Spitz: The Embodiment of Savage Power
Spitz, the antagonist and the leader of the sled team before Buck, represents the darker aspects of primal power and the savagery inherent in the wild. Spitz is cunning, ruthless, and unyielding, embodying the survival-of-the-fittest mentality that dominates the natural world. His character serves as a foil to Buck, highlighting the brutal aspects of power that Buck must confront and overcome to fully realize his own potential.
Spitz's dominance is based on fear and aggression. He rules the sled team through intimidation and violence, enforcing a strict hierarchy where only the strongest survive. This harsh regime underscores the Darwinian nature of life in the Yukon, where power is synonymous with survival. However, Spitz's form of power is ultimately unsustainable. His reliance on fear alienates him from the other dogs, and his inability to adapt or show empathy becomes his downfall.
The climactic battle between Buck and Spitz is a pivotal moment in the novel, symbolizing not just a struggle for physical dominance but a deeper spiritual contest. Buck's victory is not merely a demonstration of his physical superiority but a sign of his ability to blend strength with a more nuanced understanding of leadership. Unlike Spitz, Buck's power is not just about dominance but also about connection to the pack and the environment, reflecting a more holistic approach to strength and spirituality.
The Wolves: Symbols of Unity and True Freedom
The wolves, particularly the pack that Buck eventually joins, symbolize ultimate freedom and the spiritual unity with nature that Buck aspires to achieve. They represent the final step in Buck's journey, the complete immersion into the wild where he finds his true place and purpose.
Throughout the novel, wolves are depicted as the ultimate embodiment of the wild, living in harmony with their environment and each other. They operate as a cohesive unit, each member playing a vital role in the survival and success of the pack. This unity is a stark contrast to the fractured and often brutal human society that Buck leaves behind. The wolves' way of life represents a pure, untainted existence, where power is not about domination but about balance and cooperation.
Buck's integration into the wolf pack signifies his final spiritual awakening and acceptance of his true nature. In joining the wolves, Buck finds a sense of belonging and fulfillment that he could never achieve in human society. The wolves' acceptance of Buck is symbolic of his complete transformation and the attainment of a higher state of being, where he is no longer constrained by the artificial constructs of human civilization.
Conclusion
In "The Call of the Wild," animals are not merely characters but profound symbols that explore the themes of spirituality and power. Buck's journey from domestication to wildness represents a spiritual awakening and the discovery of true power through harmony with nature. Spitz embodies the brutal, unempathetic side of power, serving as a counterpoint to Buck's more balanced approach. Finally, the wolves represent the ultimate unity and freedom that comes from living in harmony with the natural world.
Through these animal symbols, Jack London delves into the complexities of power and the deep, often spiritual connection between living beings and their environment. "The Call of the Wild" is not just a story of survival but a profound meditation on the intrinsic forces that drive us, the allure of the wild, and the quest for a deeper understanding of our place in the natural order.