Have you ever heard of nature fakers? If not, they are authors who give animals from the wild human characteristics and personify them. In Jack London’s novel, The Call of the Wild, he tells the story of Buck, an incredibly tough and confident dog who thrives in nature. Despite accusations of being a nature faker for his portrayal in The Call of the Wild, Jack London is actually a skilled and knowledgeable writer with a deep understanding of the wild.
London’s portrayal of animals in his novel challenges the notion that he is a nature faker as he assigns them more animalistic characteristics rather than human-like ones. For instance, the constant sparring and neck-biting between Buck and Spitz exemplify this. As the novel states, “Buck did not cry out. He did not check himself, but drove in upon Spitz, shoulder to shoulder so hard that he missed the throat…” (London 38). These savage actions emphasize how London depicts animals with traits that are distinctly animal-like rather than human.
Another reason why London does not fit the mold of a nature faker is his subtle approach to character personification compared to other fairy-tale writers. While many authors take it to the extreme by depicting animal characters engaging in unrealistic activities like working, having parties, and performing impossible tasks, London takes a more restrained approach. A great example of this is seen in the resilience of Buck, who, despite being exhausted from a long day of pulling heavy loads for his owner, perseveres like a true wild animal.
London’s story does not revolve around unrealistic actions that animals cannot perform. As evidence, a quote from the novel states, “… the wound-stiffened team was under way, struggling painfully over the hardest part of the trail they had yet encountered, and for that matter, the hardest between them and Dawson….” (London 17). This quote demonstrates that they face challenges like any normal animals and are not exaggerated like animals usually are in fantasy stories. It clearly exemplifies how they must persevere in their own animal-like ways. Furthermore, it suggests that Buck is more suited to be a sled dog rather than a human.
In conclusion, Jack London cannot be considered a nature faker for three reasons. Firstly, he provides incredibly detailed and vivid descriptions of the wilderness. Additionally, he has actually been to the Yukon and experienced its challenges firsthand. This firsthand knowledge is evident in his understanding of the temperature, sleeping habits, eating habits, and fighting behaviors of the wildlife. He is also knowledgeable about the laws of survival in the wild, such as the law of the club and the law of the fang. A passage from his novel illustrates this expertise: “Close in under the sheltering rock, Buck made his nest. So snug and warm it was….”(London 26). This passage not only shows London’s understanding of the wildlife, but also his knowledge of how they sleep, survive, and adapt to their environment.
In conclusion, Jack London is not a nature faker as he avoids attributing human-like traits to nature, provides precise and detailed descriptions, and refrains from exaggeration. He is a skilled and credible writer who effectively transports readers into his stories. Moreover, Jack London intelligently depicts every aspect and portrays Buck in a compelling and appealing manner. He is undoubtedly a talented writer.
