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Primitive Instincts In Jack London's The Call Of The Wild

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In the novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London, many themes are seen throughout the entire story, helping one to have a more in depth interpretation of what it is truly about. One of the main themes is primitive instincts. Although the main character, a Saint Bernard from sunny California, Buck was raised in a relaxed lifestyle, his life quickly changes when he is kidnapped and sent to the far north to be a sled dog. His life changes in a way far beyond where he lives, what he does, and how he is treated. The harsh environment of Alaska changes his characteristics to where primitive instincts buried deep within him are seen. These would never have been expressed if he lived in California, however in Alaska it is about surviving and therefore it is necessary. With this new side of Buck, the remote wilderness begins to appeal to Buck as he is tempted and eventually does go live our with the other wild animals, allowing his ancestral memory to take him over and become a wild dog.

Buck's lavish lifestyle took a major turn when he was kidnapped. Before, his life was easy, considering he was born into his wealth and easygoing lifestyle. "He had lived the life of a sated …show more content…

Primitive instincts is a major theme when one closely examines the changes Buck undergoes from a civilized dog into a wild dog. Buck was raised in a lavish lifestyle, however when he is kidnapped this all changes. Alaska's harsh environment brings out Buck's primitive instincts buried deep within him. It is necessary for these traits to be expressed because surviving is key in Alaska and living in California, these traits would never have been seen. The wilderness appeals to Buck's new wild side and he goes out there to live with the other wild animals when his owner dies. This new life allows his ancestral memory to take him over and Buck lives a life where he is fighting his way to the top and leads

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