From “Urbanization” to “Wilderness”: Mythologies of the Relationship between Humans and Animals in the Novel the Call of the Wild by Jack London
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Abstract
This research article aims to study the representation of animals in Jack London's novel The Call of the Wild, first published in 1903, using the framework of animal studies, myth, and semiotics as tools for analysis. The main issues are divided into two parts. These include 1) the myth of the relationship between humans and animals as pets. It is found that the character "Buck," who is a dog in the story, is given a role that resembles a human, reflecting virtues and love. And the loyalty that animals have towards humans leads to questions about the rights, equality, and welfare of animals in human
society, even within the cultural context created by humans. 2) The myth of the relationship between humans and animals as wild animals indicates that Buck is not merely a pet that has transformed into a wild animal but also demonstrates the ability to form relationships with others, learn socially, and exhibit leadership among animals, reflecting a fully restored natural power. The important discovery indicates that Buck's transition from a pet to a wild animal is a liberation back to his original state, which, although primitive, is imbued with grace and survival intelligence.
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