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Essay / The concept of nature and a man's purpose in White Fang
The novel "White Fang" by Jack London is a powerful exploration of the relationship between nature and humanity, depicting nature as a force dark, menacing and all-powerful. . 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the first paragraph of “White Fang,” London uses intense imagery to establish the central themes of the novel. He describes the setting as "vast silence" and "desolation", emphasizing the lack of life and calm of the environment. These images are crucial in conveying London's belief in the menacing and unyielding nature of the wilderness. Silence and desolation serve as the backdrop against which the story unfolds, highlighting the constant struggle between humanity and wilderness. London's depiction of 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. She speaks of "white clouds" and the "blue sky", describing nature as beautiful and alive. 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 impinging on the characters, contributing to the eerie atmosphere. Symbolism plays a central role in “White Fang” and is crucial to understanding the themes of the novel. London introduces the symbol of the "narrow oblong box" at the beginning of 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 sleigh, in the box, lay a third man whose toil was finished – a man whom nature had conquered and beaten down until he could never move or struggle again. » 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 the domination of nature over humanity. He emphasizes that the Wild seeks to eliminate movement and life, portraying nature as an unyielding force. This constant battle between nature and humanity is at the heart of 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 successful discovery of the North Pole. At this time, the Arctic region as a whole was seen as mysterious and untamed, which enhanced the impact of London's imagery and reinforced its underlying theme. The choice of the "frozen-hearted Northland Wild" as the setting adds depth to the story, emphasizing the harshness and unforgiving nature of the environment. London carefully selects her words to evoke the themes of the novel. A word that.