Differences Between Call Of The Wild And Thoreau

Two authors, one born in 1812, the other in 1876. Two books, one a reflection of life in nature, the other, the tales of animal decivilization. Even though the two book topics carry strong, distinct differences, they both carry strong beliefs about the laws of nature. Henry Thoreau, the author of Walden, describes a two year stay in nature and how he developed different views on life and nature. Jack London, the author of Call of the Wild, wrote a story about how an animal goes from being a civilized home dog, to essentially turning wild. Although London isn 't in this book, many beliefs about nature are revealed by the characters he writes about. In Walden, Thoreau has many different and similar views about nature with characters from …show more content…
The most obvious example of this is when he makes Buck work for him and by dragging the sled day in and day out. This shows how Francois believes he dominates Buck enough that he can force him to work for him. The first time Buck was introduced to the harnesses by Francois, the narrator explains that “though his dignity was sorely hurt, he was too wise to rebel” (London 11). This shows how Buck also understands the superiority of man over him, as he is afraid to be punished for not listening to man. However, Francois 's belief in superiority doesn 't always have to be shown through negative actions. His belief is also shown when as an act of mercy, he makes little moccasins for Buck. Because he feels he is superior, he feels he is forced to take care of his animals that he controls. This is why he decides to make the moccasins to help Bucks feet. This demonstrates his power over Bucks well being, and more broadly, Bucks …show more content…
A couple of months before Buck entered his life, he suffered a traumatic incident in which both of his feet froze due to the bitter Alaskan cold. This accident causes severe damage to him, both physically and mentally. However, through the animals he surrounds himself with he feels a joy that no man made thing could ever give him. This joy not only helps him heal from his accident, but also gives him a sense of peace. Nature also provided John Thornton with another peace, peace of salvation. In a way, you can say that Buck represents nature, as he is a relatively wild animal. If that 's the case, when John Thornton fell into the river, Buck who represents nature, provided him salvation which for most is peace. Buck did this by jumping into a fast flowing river, which John Thornton fell into, and acted as something for John Thornton to hold onto. Meanwhile, men on shore pulled them via the rope they had attached around Buck’s body. This life saving action by nature, provided John Thornton with the peace of