Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - White Fang by Jack London

"White Fang" by Jack London is a novel of epic proportions that tells the story of a wolf-dog hybrid named White Fang, who is born in the wilderness of the Yukon and eventually finds his way into human society. The book is a masterpiece of naturalism, which is a literary movement that sought to describe the world in scientific, objective terms. Through this novel, London explores the themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and the struggle for mastery between humans and animals.

The novel begins with White Fang's birth into a pack of wolves in the frozen tundra of the Yukon. From the very beginning, he learns to survive in a harsh environment where only the strongest and most cunning can hope to survive. The first part of the book gives us an insight into the sheer brutality of nature, where animals must compete for food and water, and only the fittest survive. We see how White Fang develops a set of instincts that are necessary for his survival in the wild. He learns how to hunt, how to fight, and how to dominate other members of his pack.

As White Fang grows older, he becomes more and more aggressive, dominating the other members of his pack and becoming feared by all who encounter him. The second part of the book shows us how the struggle for survival shapes the character of White Fang. He becomes more and more feral, and his instincts become more and more savage. It is at this point that he is captured by a group of Native Americans and sold to a white man named Beauty Smith.

Beauty Smith is a cruel and abusive man who forces White Fang to fight other dogs for money. In this new world, White Fang must learn to adapt to a new set of rules and survive in a new environment. He becomes a vicious fighter, feared by all who see him in action. This part of the book shows us how humans can be just as savage as wild animals, and how the line between civilization and barbarism can be very thin. We see how White Fang must adapt to a new kind of survival, where his instincts are no longer enough to keep him alive.

Eventually, White Fang is rescued by a man named Weedon Scott, who takes him in and treats him with kindness and respect. Under Scott's care, White Fang begins to learn the ways of human society and develops a deep bond with his new master. However, he still struggles to overcome his aggressive instincts and must learn to control his impulses in order to live peacefully with humans. This part of the book shows us how the struggle between human and animal can be overcome through mutual respect and understanding.

The novel's key themes are explored through White Fang's journey from the wilds of the Yukon to the world of human society. Throughout the novel, London shows how the struggle for survival shapes the character of White Fang and how his experiences with different human masters shape his personality. Ultimately, the novel is a meditation on the nature of humanity and the relationship between humans and animals.

In conclusion, "White Fang" is a classic work of literature that explores the themes of survival, nature versus nurture, and the struggle for mastery between humans and animals. Through the character of White Fang, London creates a powerful portrait of a wild and untamed creature who must learn to navigate the complex world of human society. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the naturalist movement or the relationship between humans and animals.