How Does Nietzsche's Theory Of Might Make Right

Heidi Kelchner provides a quick reference that consists of different components of the novel, along with a list of the main characters and their descriptions. She then summarizes the plot of the novel. Kelchner discusses how Jack London is famous for his adventure novels and his technique of portraying animals as ‘compelling’ leaders in society. Many contend against his use of this technique, criticizing how it toys with the reader’s emotions. However, the reasons behind London’s use go deeper, reflecting a scientific and philosophical issue: the hereditary correlation between humans and animals. Kelchner then goes into how London’s work incorporates the principles of English naturalist and geologist, Charles Darwin and German philosopher, …show more content…
In addition to raw nature, Kelchner also discusses the civilized nature which Buck comes into contact with. In London’s novels, he commonly transitions between the life of the civilized or domesticated and that of the natural or wild. In The Call of the Wild, London shows how the influence of John Thornton causes Buck to contemplate the decision of choosing between a domesticated or natural life. Thornton’s death causes Buck’s ties to civilization to break, allowing him to pursue a life in the wild. The relationship between animals and humans in London’s novels reflect the theory of evolutionary continuity, which allows the two to share similar traits and experiences. London uses this to suggest that a ‘primitive beast’ exists in all civilized beings. Buck reverts back to his primitive half when exploring his ancestor’s ways of living in the wild. For humans, a balance between civilization and savagery is best, as London discusses in his novel The Sea-Wolf. Kelchner also brings up the point of how The Call of the Wild reflects socialism through London’s use of contradictory