The Call of the Wild: Exploring Themes in Jack London's Novel

What does the statement "In vague ways he remembered back to the youth of the breed" in The Call of the Wild signify?

The statement "In vague ways he remembered back to the youth of the breed" in The Call of the Wild by Jack London signifies the concept of the racial unconscious. Buck, the main character, undergoes a transformation from a pampered domesticated dog to a wilder, more instinctual being. Adaptation to a new environment and the struggle for survival reveal deeper instincts and memories that are an integral part of his breed's history.

Exploring Themes in The Call of the Wild

Racial Unconscious: Buck's journey in The Call of the Wild highlights the idea of racial unconsciousness. The statement "In vague ways he remembered back to the youth of the breed" suggests that Buck taps into a primal memory of his breed's origins and instincts. This memory influences his behavior and actions as he adapts to the harsh environment he finds himself in.

Instinct: Jack London develops the theme of instinct through Buck's transformation. "The domesticated generations fell from him" indicates that Buck is shedding the domestication and learned behaviors of his past. As he reverts to his primal instincts, he recalls the genetic memory of his breed's early days. This theme emphasizes the survival skills and instincts that drive Buck's actions throughout the novel.