The Unleashing of the Primitive: A Reflection on Reading Call of the Wild
"The Call of the Wild" is not just a literary classic; it’s a story that touches on the very essence of what it means to be human. This novel by Jack London explores the primal qualities within us all, which have been suppressed by modern civilization.
When I read it, the thing that struck me the most was how London portrayed the transformation of the main character – a dog named Buck – from a domesticated pet into a fierce and wild animal. Through the brutal and sometimes tragic events he endures, Buck becomes more and more in tune with his primitive instincts. His journey back to his innate savage self is stirring, sobering, and undeniably powerful to read.
Throughout the book, London portrays the wilderness as a land of freedom and liberation, where natural laws replace human ones, and the strongest survive. Buck, once the pampered and beloved pet of a wealthy family, is thrust into the raw, unforgiving harshness of the Canadian Yukon. He must rapidly acclimate to the new way of life there, where only the fittest survive and the unforgiving environment rewards only those who are tough and adaptable.
As Buck gradually becomes more instinctual, his spirit awakens, and his wild side takes over. Gone are the mild, obedient characteristics that he once possessed, replaced by aggression and ferocity that terrifies those who oppose him. It is through his many trials and tribulations that Buck unleashes the primitive within him – a world where only the strongest survive – a world he must adapt to if he is to thrive.
In the end, "The Call of the Wild" is a celebration of the untamed energy of the wild, and a warning of the dangers of a life of confinement and submission. Through Buck's story, we come to understand that living according to our animalistic nature might not be such a bad thing. It may not be a life that everybody wants, but it is a life of freedom and instinctual joy that we can learn a lot from.
The novel is, above all, a testament to how important it is to stay in touch with our – natural and somewhat primitive – selves. It's a message that's as relevant today, if not more so, than it was when the book was first published.
Reading "The Call of the Wild" has acted as a reminder to me that the freedom and the power of the wilderness is always present in each of us. It's only through suppressing our innate instincts that we limit our ability to truly be alive. In uncovering the wildness in our hearts, we might take the first step in rediscovering that essence that makes us human.
In conclusion, "The Call of the Wild" is a book that has something to offer everyone. Despite its themes of harshness and ferocity, it is a powerful story about life, love, and the human condition. I'd recommend it to anybody who seeks to understand themselves better and think more deeply about the nature of their existence. It's a novel that's well worth the time investment, one that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
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