Literary Techniques In The Call Of The Wild

In the book The call of the wild, by Jack London, a dog learns the cruelty and the freedom of the wild as he becomes a tough sled dog. This nonfiction book focused on Buck, a dog who was taken from his home in Southern California and sent to become a sled dog in the Klondike. Buck becomes a strong sled dog and is taken in by many dog sled owners, where he experiences the cruelty of man and the wild. When John Thornton, one of his owners, is killed by the Yeehat Indians he avenges him by killing several Yeehats and is transformed into a Yeehat legend known as the Ghost Dog. This exciting novel consists of many literary elements such as characterization, conflict, and theme.
First, the author’s use of characterization demonstrates Buck’s character
For example, “And not only did he learn by experience, but instincts long dead became alive again. The domesticated generations fell from him. (...) They came to him without effort or discovery, as if they had always been his.” (page 48). This shows the theme of atavism because Buck discovers traits that he never knew he had, which were his ancestors, the wolves, traits. He becomes less domesticated and gains his ancestors instincts as he experiences the cruelty of man and the freedom of the wild. Another thing is that, “his development (or retrogression) was rapid. His muscles became hard as iron and he grew callous to all ordinary pain. (...) He could eat anything, no matter how loathsome or indigestible.” (page 47). This demonstrates the theme of adapting to a new environment as Buck becomes adapted to the cold environment of the Klondike and adjusts to his new life. He becomes tough from all the beatings he’s received and is fit as a sled dog from rough training. In conclusion, the theme of adapting to a new environment and atavism is demonstrated to Buck regaining his ancestors instincts and how he adapts to being a sled dog in the