Often times we find that reality and truth manifest themselves in the obscure and artificial - rather than the real expressing itself through legitimate, factual depictions of real life, many times the truths of life are communicated in the works of fictitious instances and portrayals of fantasy. Literature is a perfect example of one of the instances in which key ideas of life are depicted within the words sewn from imagination rather than from authentic experiences. Namely, one writer who utilizes abstract, fantasy-like concepts is the naturalistic writer Jack London. His works of fiction often emphasize the animalistic proclivities all humans can never quite escape from and their impending doom formulated by nature’s unfeeling omniscient …show more content…
Defined as a cynic by many who studied the pages of his works, London had never led us to believe there was hope, or so we believe. As stated formerly, the exposure of Jack London to the unfairness of society and its strict social pyramid revealed, to him, the links between society and nature. In his own words he recognizes these links as well as his own disposition to them as he states: “I see years and years of bloodshed. I see the master class hiring armies of murderers to keep the workers in subjection, to beat them back should they attempt to dispossess the capitalists. That's why I am a pessimist. I see things in the light of history and the laws of nature,” (Julius). Although knowledgeable of the issue, seemly more understanding of it than anyone else, London finishes giving little hope. He is a pessimist - one who notices and accepts, not one to notice and act. Yet, in reading White Fang, a contradiction can be found. The length of the novel is met with pessimism towards naturalism and the conceding to its power over life. White Fang may be three-quarters dog, but the wolf within him never fails to override his domestic side. Living with humans as though he were a regular dog, “The Wild still lingered in him and the wolf in him merely slept,” (London). Although treated like a dog, living the life of dog, White Fang could never be considered fully domestic. The wild within him would not permit it, and as he attempted at domiciliary “He could not immediately forego his wild heritage and his memories of the Wild. There were days when he crept to the edge of the forest and stood and listened to something calling him far and away,” (London). London states, clearly and throughout the book, his stance on the ineffective efforts at civilization - they do not work. However, after an entire journey based on the futility of White Fang’s efforts at domestication, London ends the novel with