Abstract

Buck, the main character in The Call of the Wild, is a character of dynamic self-contradiction: at different times, his contradiction shows different intensities, according to the balance between his nostalgia towards human civilization and his instinct to obey the Nature’s call, which is dynamic, too, closely related to the degree of civilization of his different masters. The wildness is always there in his blood, but its dynamic trait makes him sometimes a gentle dog, other times a wolf. Thus, the call of the wild is changeable, giving Buck an ambivalent character. On the other hand, to some degree it is Buck’s own will that controlled the intensity of the wild. Buck’s self-contradiction also reflects the author’s personalities caused by his complicated life experiences. 

Keywords: Jack London; civilization; wildness; nature; dynamic; behaviors; survive

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

2. The dynamic process of Buck’s self-contradiction-2

2.1 Buck’s self-contradiction-2

2.2 The weak call of the wild in the civilized environment-2

2.3 The first loud call-3

2.4 A fall and a new rise of the call with the second master-3

2.5. The final break-out-4

2.5.1 Before Buck became a wolf-..4

2.5.2 The call of the civilization after Buck becomes a wolf...5

3. The Causes of Buck’s Self-contradiction-6

3.1 The gene, the breeding and the desire to survive-6

3.2 Jack London-6

4. Conclusion-8

References-9