Symbols
(1) The Law of Club and Fang
The law of club and fang refers to the primitive law of nature that reign in the Northland, which rules according to the necessities of survival in reference to both dog's relation to man and to other dogs. We see the two parts of this law in action through particular devices: the man in the red sweater's club and the dog fangs that rip Curly to shreds. Through powerful blows the man in the red sweater's club teaches dogs, like Buck, to obey their masters. Meanwhile, the dogs' attack on Curly symbolizes the power of the fang. Together, the law of club and the law of fang prescribe a code for survival in the Northland—obey man's club, never let your guard down, and fight to win.
(2) The Traces
The traces, which bind the sled dogs to their sleds, represent labor and service, pride in one's work, and the social hierarchy of the sled dog team. Under the traces' binding grip, Buck transforms from a pet into a working dog. He learns and earns his place through his labor in the traces. However, the sled dog's traces don't just bind canines into steadfast servitude. They also reflect the working order of the entire sled dog team. A dog's position in the traces dictates his place in the team's canine hierarchy. For instance, Spitz is the dominant, alpha male of the pack, so he is harnessed at the head of the team. When Buck overthrows Spitz, he assumes Spitz's place in the traces, symbolizing his leadership and authority over the other dogs.
(3) The Southland v. The Northland
The Southland refers to California, specifically the Santa Clara Valley where Buck grows up. The Northland refers to the Alaska and the Klondike in the Canadian Yukon, where Buck comes of age. Together, they symbolize the dramatic contrast between the rules of civilization and laws of nature. The Southland is governed by the "law of love and fellowship." "Moral consideration" underlies this law. The Northland's governance operates under the law of club and fang. On the surface, the South seems more orderly, while the North seems lawless, but London reminds us that each region codifies its laws according to its environment. The Southland, being a more developed and hospitable region, can enforce laws that rely on a strong moral compass. "Mercy was a thing reserved for gentler climes," London notes. In contrast, the Northland, being a wild frontier, must rely on more primitive mandates in order to administer "just" laws.
(4) Caveman Visions
As Buck transforms over time into a wild dog, his visions of the caveman strengthen. The caveman represents dog's primordial master, but also alludes to Buck's yearning for his primeval past. In his final vision, Buck and the caveman hunt and scavenge in unison, symbolizing the perfect harmony of man and beast in the wild. It is a relationship that is pure and untainted, but also ancient and foregone. The ephemeral and dreamlike nature of Buck's encounters with his primordial master signal the irretrievable quality of this forgotten past.
(5) The Call
The call is a wild force that beckons Buck to immerse himself in nature. Though not represented by any single object, it is an energy often associated with songs and wolf howls. "Ancient song" and "song of the pack" are a few examples. The musical quality of "the call" underlines its ability speak to the primal, instinctual, and emotional aspects of Buck's character, suggesting that it is not just an alluring voice, but a powerful summoning.
The law of club and fang refers to the primitive law of nature that reign in the Northland, which rules according to the necessities of survival in reference to both dog's relation to man and to other dogs. We see the two parts of this law in action through particular devices: the man in the red sweater's club and the dog fangs that rip Curly to shreds. Through powerful blows the man in the red sweater's club teaches dogs, like Buck, to obey their masters. Meanwhile, the dogs' attack on Curly symbolizes the power of the fang. Together, the law of club and the law of fang prescribe a code for survival in the Northland—obey man's club, never let your guard down, and fight to win.
(2) The Traces
The traces, which bind the sled dogs to their sleds, represent labor and service, pride in one's work, and the social hierarchy of the sled dog team. Under the traces' binding grip, Buck transforms from a pet into a working dog. He learns and earns his place through his labor in the traces. However, the sled dog's traces don't just bind canines into steadfast servitude. They also reflect the working order of the entire sled dog team. A dog's position in the traces dictates his place in the team's canine hierarchy. For instance, Spitz is the dominant, alpha male of the pack, so he is harnessed at the head of the team. When Buck overthrows Spitz, he assumes Spitz's place in the traces, symbolizing his leadership and authority over the other dogs.
(3) The Southland v. The Northland
The Southland refers to California, specifically the Santa Clara Valley where Buck grows up. The Northland refers to the Alaska and the Klondike in the Canadian Yukon, where Buck comes of age. Together, they symbolize the dramatic contrast between the rules of civilization and laws of nature. The Southland is governed by the "law of love and fellowship." "Moral consideration" underlies this law. The Northland's governance operates under the law of club and fang. On the surface, the South seems more orderly, while the North seems lawless, but London reminds us that each region codifies its laws according to its environment. The Southland, being a more developed and hospitable region, can enforce laws that rely on a strong moral compass. "Mercy was a thing reserved for gentler climes," London notes. In contrast, the Northland, being a wild frontier, must rely on more primitive mandates in order to administer "just" laws.
(4) Caveman Visions
As Buck transforms over time into a wild dog, his visions of the caveman strengthen. The caveman represents dog's primordial master, but also alludes to Buck's yearning for his primeval past. In his final vision, Buck and the caveman hunt and scavenge in unison, symbolizing the perfect harmony of man and beast in the wild. It is a relationship that is pure and untainted, but also ancient and foregone. The ephemeral and dreamlike nature of Buck's encounters with his primordial master signal the irretrievable quality of this forgotten past.
(5) The Call
The call is a wild force that beckons Buck to immerse himself in nature. Though not represented by any single object, it is an energy often associated with songs and wolf howls. "Ancient song" and "song of the pack" are a few examples. The musical quality of "the call" underlines its ability speak to the primal, instinctual, and emotional aspects of Buck's character, suggesting that it is not just an alluring voice, but a powerful summoning.