Domestication In Jack London's The Call Of The Wild

Joan D. Hedrick declares that domestication serves as a barrier, separating Buck, the main character, from his true nature in Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. The novel tells the story of Buck’s initiation into the wild, where he takes his rightful place. It begins with the king-like dog’s removal from the comfort of his estate when gold is discovered in the Klondike region. Hedrick summarizes Buck’s kidnapping and the emotions that he experiences due to abuse and mistreatment. He highlights how a human’s refusal to obey Buck’s “royal” wishes helps to teach the canine where his true estate lies. Hedrick also emphasizes the emotional effect that this experience has on Buck and how his ability to learn the law of club and fang allows for his

Thornton, however, treats Buck as if he is his own child. The two have complete trust within one another and prove that they are willing to risk their lives for each other. Buck pushes himself to work the hardest he ever has out of his love for John; however, it also proves that Buck is more human dependent than ever. Hedrick contrasts how The Call of the Wild is different from most of London’s novels. Instead of the typical search to find a mother figure, Buck seeks a father who cares for him as if he were his own. Buck is now able to mature and grow up, becoming more independent as he tends to test out his instinct’s more in the wild. Now in the prime of his life, Buck is stronger than ever, possessing all the same hereditary instincts as his ancestors. Upon his last return to camp, Buck senses a change, soon to discover the death of John Thornton. He avenges the Yeehat Indians out of love for his master, giving him a sense of pride that he is capable of killing the biggest game of all: man. Most importantly, Thornton’s death allows Buck to fulfill the call of temptation. Upon joining the wild, a pack of wolves attacks him, challenging his