Analysis of Buck’s Character Development in The Call of The Wild by Jack London

In Jack London's The Call of the Wild, Buck stands as a compelling protagonist who undergoes significant character development due to the interplay of nature and nurture. London’s portrayal of Buck’s transformation has been notably recognized by Donald E. Pease in his essay, Psychoanalyzing the Narrative Logics of Naturalism: The Call of the Wild, which emphasizes Buck’s evolution through environmental changes. Additionally, Barbara Hardy Beierl, in her essay The Sympathetic Imagination and the Human-Animal Bond: Fostering Empathy through Reading Imaginative Literature, highlights the gain and loss of human-animal connections as catalysts for Buck’s transformation. This analysis focuses on how Buck’s character development in the novel is driven by naturalistic behavior, which London expertly conveys through character progression.

Nature’s Role in Buck’s Evolution

London's writing draws heavily on Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, demonstrating how Buck is shaped by his harsh surroundings. The brutal environment of the North forces Buck to adapt quickly, as illustrated when London writes: “his development (or retrogression) was rapid. His muscles became hard as iron, and he grew callous to all ordinary pain.” This passage exemplifies Buck's physical and emotional transformation, molded by the wilderness. His strength and intelligence become vital for survival in the face of volatile circumstances. Buck’s physical transformation reflects his increasing ambition for leadership, showcasing London’s stance on the nature vs. nurture debate. As Buck adapts, Pease notes in his analysis: “the agent of the free indirect discourse appeared to have been acted upon by Buck's innermost sensations, transcribing Buck's drives and bodily intensities.”

This narrative technique, often referred to as "free indirect discourse," allows London to subtly depict Buck's evolving consciousness, echoing Darwinian principles. Initially living in the comfort of Judge Miller’s estate in the “sun-kissed Santa Clara Valley,” Buck is forced to confront the harsh “law of club and fang” in the Northland. This shift underscores London's belief that an individual's true character emerges in response to environmental hardships.

Human-Animal Bond and Its Limitations

While Buck's relationships with humans, particularly John Thornton, influence his journey, they do not play as critical a role in his transformation as his natural instincts. Thornton’s affection is described as “genuine, passionate love,” but it does little to alter Buck’s core nature. Instead, this bond humanizes the relationship without changing Buck’s character, as demonstrated by the abstract nature of emotions such as love and passion in the text. London’s emphasis on Buck’s physical survival over emotional connections indicates that his development is rooted in his primal instincts rather than his relationships with humans.

Despite Thornton being an ideal master who saves Buck’s life, Buck’s transformation is driven by the primal “call of the wild.” His exposure to the wilderness unlocks his “primordial beast,” allowing him to fully embrace his true nature. London’s portrayal of Buck’s transformation upon entering the wilderness highlights the power of natural instincts over any social constraints imposed by human companionship.

The Climactic Unleashing of Buck’s True Nature

London emphasizes Buck’s character development through the theme of freedom and the power of embracing one’s primal instincts. After Thornton’s death at the hands of the Yeehats, Buck experiences a “great void,” but instead of being consumed by grief, his transformation is complete as he kills with savage pride. The term “carcasses” used to describe the aftermath of Buck’s rage is key, as it evokes feelings of primordial carnage, detached from human emotions of revenge. Buck’s savage instincts are fully unleashed, marking the final step in his evolution from domesticated dog to wild leader of a wolf pack.

London illustrates that Buck’s deepest transformation comes not from his human relationships but from his instinctual return to nature. The “law of club and fang” no longer restrains him, and Buck finds freedom in his primal identity. London’s depiction of Buck’s progression reflects his broader commentary on nature versus nurture, with nature ultimately proving dominant. Buck’s innate qualities, shaped by evolutionary inheritance, determine his fate far more than the care or treatment he receives.

Conclusion

The Call of the Wild serves as an exploration of naturalism, illustrating Buck’s development from a tame, house-trained dog into a wild and dominant leader of a wolf pack. London’s message is clear: the forces of nature and heredity play a far more significant role in shaping character than the nurturing received from others. Buck’s evolution is a testament to the power of instinct and the survival of the fittest, themes that resonate deeply within the context of evolutionary theory. As London shows, true character emerges not through external comforts, but through the challenges posed by a harsh and unforgiving environment.