The Call of the Wild: Understanding Jack London's Writing

Racial Unconscious in The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild by Jack London explores themes of survival, nature, and the primal instincts of animals. On page 14, London writes, "In vague ways he remembered back to the youth of the breed." This statement is an example of the concept of racial unconscious.

The idea of racial unconscious suggests that individuals inherit memories and experiences from their ancestors, shaping their behavior and instincts. In the case of Buck, the main character in the novel, his actions and decisions are influenced by his deep-rooted connection to his ancestors and their experiences in the wild.

London's use of this concept adds depth to the character of Buck and highlights the idea that our past, both personal and ancestral, plays a significant role in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world.