Jack London's novel "White Fang" is a powerful exploration of the relationship between nature and humanity, portraying nature as a dark, menacing and omnipotent force. London uses unique literary techniques such as imagery, symbolism, setting, and word choice to convey his perspective on the insignificance of human life compared to the overwhelming power of nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the opening paragraph of “White Fang,” London uses powerful imagery to establish the central themes of the novel. He describes the setting as a "vast silence" and a "desolation", emphasizing the lifelessness and stillness of the environment. These images are crucial in conveying London's belief in the menacing and unyielding nature of the wilderness. Silence and desolation form the backdrop against which the story unfolds, highlighting the constant struggle between humanity and wild nature. The depiction of London's nature in "White Fang" stands in stark contrast to alternative depictions of nature in literature. For example, modernist poet Katherine Mansfield presents a very different view of nature in her poem "A Very Early Spring." In his work, nature is depicted as vibrant, active and full of life. He writes of "white clouds" and "blue skies", portraying nature as beautiful and vibrant. In contrast, the depiction of London relies on images of stillness and silence to create a sense of lifelessness and foreboding. He personifies silence as a tangible force that invades the characters, helping to create an eerie atmosphere. Symbolism plays a vital role in "White Fang" and is crucial to understanding the novel's themes. London introduces the "narrow oblong box" symbol early in the story, initially presented as a simple table and seat for the characters Bill and Henry. Only later do readers discover that this box contains the body of their friend, Lord Alfred. This coffin symbolizes the ongoing struggle between nature and humanity and its inevitable outcome. London writes, “On the sled, in the box, lies a third man whose toil was done: a man whom the Savage had conquered and defeated until he would move no more and fight no more.” The narrow oblong box serves not only to reveal Lord Alfred's fate but also to foreshadow Bill's similar fate later in the novel. Through the disappearance of Lord Alfred and the symbolism of the oblong box, London infuses the novel with themes of death and nature's dominance over humanity. He emphasizes that the wild seeks to eliminate movement and life, describing nature as an unyielding force. This constant battle between nature and humanity is central to the story's message. Additionally, the setting of "White Fang" serves as a vehicle that allows readers to fully grasp the images and themes presented in the novel. While London could have chosen any wild place, he specifically chooses the Alaskan wilderness. The novel was written in 1906, just three years before the fortunate discovery of the North Pole. At the time, the entire Arctic region was seen as mysterious and wild, increasing the impact of London's imagery and reinforcing its underlying theme. The choice of the "wild, cold-hearted, Northland Wild" as the setting adds depth to the story, emphasizing the harshness and unforgiving nature of the environment. London carefully selects his words to evoke the novel's themes. One word that stands out is "fatigue," which appears repeatedly in the first chapter of "White Fang." The use of "fatigue" serves multiple purposes..
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