As Jim Rohn once said, “It is not what happens that determines the major part of your future...it is what you do about what happens that counts.” Buck, the main character in the novel The Call of the Wild, is a victim of life 's many unexpected obstacles. From domesticated and tamed to wild and primitive, the transformation of Buck from beginning to end is a result of nature and nurture combined. Nature, his genetic makeup, proves to be the most dominant in his development of becoming a free creature of the wilderness. Throughout his journey, Buck benefits greatly from his physical structure, genetic memory, and natural instincts.
Natural selection played a big role in Buck’s fate. As demonstrated by the author, when describing Buck’s demeanor, “He alone endured and prospered, matching the husky in strength , savagery and cunning,” (28). The theory of natural selection says that all who are prosperous will thrive. Many generations have passed before him, so Buck inherits only the genes and traits beneficial to him. Buck’s genetic makeup contributes to his
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For further illustration, as stated by psychiatrist Darold Treffert, “Genetic memory...is complex abilities and sophisticated knowledge inherited,”(Treffert). Genetic memory allows one to get in touch with former skills, and listen to formerly acquired instincts. When Buck was forced into the wild, in the beginning his actions and choices were based off of common sense. However, once his journey progresses, he becomes more in touch with his former wisdom and lets himself be guided by the Call of the wild. Nurture provides events that every human being has to go through. Nonetheless, it does not determine what you are as a person, as it is your final decision that will do so. The connection he has with his ancestors links him to the past, providing him with wisdom and positivity in his