A thesis on how the call of the wild is actually a testimony of Charles Darwin

Where did man come from? Scientists thought they had answered this simple yet

complex question through Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. According to him,

living organisms evolved due to constant changing. Organisms which gained an edge

would reign, while those without would die. Jack London's books during the late 1800's

animated this theory through the use of wild animals in a struggle for survival. In fact,

many prove that to survive a species 'must' have an edge. In London's book the Call of

the Wild, the harsh depiction of the Klondike wilderness proves that to survive life must

adapt.

        London uses Buck as his first character to justify his theory as he conforms well

to the hostile North. While at Judge Miller's, pampered Buck never worries about his

next meal or shelter; yet while in the frozen Klondike he has death at his heels. Until his

body adapts to the strenuous toil of the reins, Buck needs more food than the other dogs.

He must steal food from his masters in order to conform. If Buck continues his stealthy

work he will survive. A second example occurs when Thorton owns Buck, and Spitz,

the lead dog, constantly watches the team in a dominant manner. Buck, if

insubordinate, runs the risk of death. He lays low, learning Spitz's every tactic. Buck

adapts to circumstances until finally he strikes against Spitz in a fight for the dominant

position. By killing Spitz, he gains a supreme air, and in turn an adaptation against the

law of the fang. A third example surfaces during Buck's leadership. The fledgling dog,

to Francios and Perrault, cannot work up to par for the lead. So Buck conducts himself

as a master sled dog, reaching Francios and Perrault's goals, conforming to the team.

The group plows through snow...