Ahh, the age old question…nature vs nurture? This argument, as you might know, debates wether or not human development is based mainly on their environment or their DNA composition. In literature, there are writers called Naturalists. These Naturalist writers focus on the nature side of the debate. They take more of a “what if” standpoint than a standpoint of argument. Only taking one side in this debate, is more of an observation tactic. Naturalism is the scientific method of literature. The writer, employs this by, setting a character in a situation and observing the situation the characters are confronted with. This tactic used to gain insight and test the theory that environment determines human development. Writers like Jack London are
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This particular winter it is at least 75° below zero, on top of that, the man is traveling during a period when the night lasts for weeks. This man sets out to meet his friends at a camp approximately 14 miles away from his current location. The story begins to describe the man’s personality it says, “The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances” (London 125). This is a troubling sign, as not understanding the significance of something can lead to more complex situations, in any respect. The story goes on to …show more content…
Its strange to me that, being new to this area, and didn't think to study it or take advice from a local. He also failed to set himself up for success by only bringing a sandwich and some matches. But I believe Jack London had a purpose for having the man “carry nothing but the lunch wrapped in the handkerchief” (London 125). Naturalism explores man and beast, particularly from an evolutionary standpoint. Equipping the man with nothing, situates him at his most basic form. Basically, its the man and his instincts vs the world. This also makes him easily comparable to his dog, a beast, who has nothing but instincts to survive by. That being said, a man with nothing, has only instincts. But, in London’s story, the man has no instincts. Alternately, if the man was a little more conscientious, he would know to be prepared for a variety of situations that could arise during his journey. What is highly concerning about this man’s will to continue, is that he takes no cue’s from his dog, who exhibits multiple warning signs, that suggest they should not
This particular winter it is at least 75° below zero, on top of that, the man is traveling during a period when the night lasts for weeks. This man sets out to meet his friends at a camp approximately 14 miles away from his current location. The story begins to describe the man’s personality it says, “The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances” (London 125). This is a troubling sign, as not understanding the significance of something can lead to more complex situations, in any respect. The story goes on to …show more content…
Its strange to me that, being new to this area, and didn't think to study it or take advice from a local. He also failed to set himself up for success by only bringing a sandwich and some matches. But I believe Jack London had a purpose for having the man “carry nothing but the lunch wrapped in the handkerchief” (London 125). Naturalism explores man and beast, particularly from an evolutionary standpoint. Equipping the man with nothing, situates him at his most basic form. Basically, its the man and his instincts vs the world. This also makes him easily comparable to his dog, a beast, who has nothing but instincts to survive by. That being said, a man with nothing, has only instincts. But, in London’s story, the man has no instincts. Alternately, if the man was a little more conscientious, he would know to be prepared for a variety of situations that could arise during his journey. What is highly concerning about this man’s will to continue, is that he takes no cue’s from his dog, who exhibits multiple warning signs, that suggest they should not