White Fang: A Reflection on Jack London's Naturalism

White Fang is a novel by Jack London that explores the theme of naturalism throughout its narrative. The story follows the journey of a wolf-dog hybrid named White Fang as he navigates the harsh wilderness of the Yukon territory. London's portrayal of White Fang's struggle between his civilized impulses and his wild instincts reflects the naturalistic view of the world, where characters are shaped by their environment and heredity.

Throughout the novel, White Fang's heredity is carefully defined as "one-fourth dog, three-fourths wolf," highlighting the internal conflict within him. This conflict serves as a central theme in the story, illustrating the ongoing battle between nature and nurture in shaping an individual's identity.

London's use of naturalism in White Fang brings to light the idea that all living beings are subject to the laws of nature, and that our instincts and behaviors are deeply rooted in our genetic makeup. The novel serves as a reflection on the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the primal instincts that drive our actions and decisions.