英语本科毕业论文-《荒野的呼唤》中巴克的多重性格分析

英语本科毕业论文-《荒野的呼唤》中巴克的多重性格分析 学科分类号 050201 本科学生毕业论文 题目 《荒野的呼唤》中巴克的多重性格分析 Analysis of the Complicated Nature of Buck in The Call of the Wild 姓 名 学 号 学 部 外国语言文学学部 专业、年级 英语本科0602班 指导教师 二O一O年四月 湖南涉外经济学院本科毕业论文诚信声明 本人郑重声明:所呈交的本科毕业论文～是本人在指导老师的指导下～独立进行研究工作所取得的成果～成果不存在知识产权争议～除文中已经注明引用的内容外～本论文不含任何其他个人或集体已经发表或撰写过的作品成果。对本文的研究做出重要贡献的个人和集体均已在文中以明确方式标明。本人完全意识到本声明的法律结果由本人承担。 本科毕业论文作者签名: 二?一?年四月二十七日 一、湖南涉外经济学院本科毕业论文开题报告书 论 文 题 目 《荒野的呼唤》中巴克的多重性格分析 作 者 姓 名 所属学部专业年级 外国语言文学学部英语专业2006级 指导教师姓名、职称 预计字数 开题日期 讲师 6000 2010.1.4 选题的根据: 《荒野的呼唤》是美国著名作家杰克〃伦敦于1903年发表的成名作。作者赋予了巴克与人相同的情感和品质～将其人性化了。狗主人公巴克复杂多样的性格、艰苦卓绝的生存道路～生动真切地反映了作者所处时代的美国社会的现实～再现了美国历史上的克朗代克淘金热。巴克的这些性格特征在很大程度上正是现实社会中人的真实写照～因此对其性格的剖析、研究具有现实意义。 外国学者对《荒野的呼唤》的研究, 经历了从研究方法到研究视角的不同侧重和转变, 折射出独特的文化特征。我国对杰克〃伦敦及其作品的介绍与翻译、研究工作起步于20世纪20年代～30年代达到高潮。作为杰克〃伦敦的成名作和代表作《荒野的呼唤》在以后90余年的历史中被中国学者反复地翻译和研究～可见它的重要性。由美国麦吉尔编、王志远翻译的《世界名著鉴赏大辞典〃小说卷,中,》有专篇对《荒野的呼唤》一文的鉴赏,中国书籍出版社～1993,。国内外学者对该作品的主题进行了深入的剖析与研究～但是对于作品中狗主人公巴克的多重性格分析～国内仅限于为数不多的论文、期刊。本文对《荒野的呼唤》中狗主人公巴克的多重性格分析将有助于我们更进一步解读作者的思想观点和小说产生的社会历史背景。 主要内容: 本文分为三个部分,第一部分将介绍杰克〃伦敦及写作背景。第二部分首先概括《荒野的呼唤》的内容大意并从三个方面剖析巴克的性格～首先描述巴克在不断变幻的生存环境中表现出来的性格特征,然后着重分析巴克对待新生活的态度,最后阐述凶残狡诈的巴克却充满爱与责任的性格矛盾性～揭示了“性本善”的哲学观点。第三部分总结巴克的多重性格～以及这种多重面的性格在现代社会主义社会的具体体现。 研究方法: 文献研究法:通过对作品《野性的呼唤》的文本研究～得出巴克的性格特征。 个案研究法:对巴克在不同环境下所表现出来的性格进行分析。 描述性研究法:描述巴克的性格多重面。 完成期限: 1. 2009年9月--12月确定选题 2. 2009年1月4日完成开题报告～拟定提纲 3. 2010年1月完成第一稿 4. 2010年3月中旬完成第二稿 5. 2010年4月定稿 5月论文答辩 主要措施:通过互联网、图书馆查阅相关文献、作品,结合现有的关于本作品的论文期刊进行总结,虚心接受导师的指导～拟提出新的、具有现实意义的观点。 主要参考资料: [1] Jack London. The Call of the Wild in Lei Ming (Eds). Jack London Selected Stories [M]. Tianjin: Tianjin People’s Publishing House, 2001. [2] Hu Yintong & Liu Shusen (Eds). A Course in American Literature [M]. Tianjin : Nan Kai University Press, 1995. [3] Wu Weiren (Eds). History and Anthology of American Literature [M]. Beijing : Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1990. [4] 张勇.野性的呼唤[Z] . 北京:中国书籍出版社～2005年9. [5] 范悦.美国文化,American Cultural Heritage) [M]. 对外经济贸易大学出版社～2006. [6] 朱剑飞.《野性的呼唤》中巴克的双重性格分析[J]. 郑州航空工业管理学院学报(社会科学版), 2004年第23卷第03期. [7] 刘福芹.《野性的呼唤》中对人性的呼唤(英文)[J]. 红河学院学报, 2006年06期. [8] 王耀辉.孟子慷慨人生[Z] . 长江文艺出版社,2003年10月 指导教师意见: 签 名: 年 月 日 开 题 报 告 会 纪 要 时间 地点 姓 名 职务(职称) 姓 名 职务(职称) 姓 名 职务(职称) 与 会 人 员 会议记录摘要: 会议主持人签名: 记录人签名: 年 月 日 指学 导 部 小 组意 意 见见 负责人签名: 负责人签名: 年 月 日 年 月 日 二、湖南涉外经济学院本科毕业论文评审表 论文题目 Analysis of the Complicated Nature of Buck in The Call of the Wild 作者姓名 所属学部、专业、年级 汤 浩 坤 外国语言文学学部英语专业2006级 指导教师 字 数 定稿日期 马 玉 侠 讲师 6808 2010年4月30日 姓名、职称 《荒野的呼唤》是美国著名作家杰克〃伦敦于1903年发表的成名作。 中 狗主人公巴克性格的复杂性和多重性是作品长盛不衰的原因之一。巴克 艰苦卓绝的生存道路～生动真切地反映了作者所处时代的美国社会的现 实～再现了美国历史上的克朗代克淘金热。了解它的性格特征是我们解 文 读作者思想观点和小说社会背景的关键。本文从达尔文的 “适者生存” 的自然选择思想入手～分析了在不断变幻的生活环境中巴克的性格。第 二章重点讲述了巴克对新生活的向往与渴望。驯服的南方狗巴克来到远 摘 离人类文明的荒原后很快适应了极具挑战性的生活。桑顿死后～巴克毫 不犹豫地响应了森林里新生活的召唤～回到充满神秘与冒险的自由丛林。 第三章主要论述了巴克既具有统治者的凶残狡诈的本性同时也富有献身 者的无畏牺牲的激情。生性狡诈的巴克在得到人类平等的尊重和爱时表 要 现出的义不容辞的责任、爱以及忠诚着实令人折服。孟子哲学的“性本 善”思想在巴克身上得到了充分的体现。 关键词 野性,呼唤,自由,适者生存 The Call of the Wild is the masterpiece of Jack London who is one of the most renowned American writers. It was published in 1903. The complex character of the protagonist dog Buck is the main factor to cause the novel perpetual. The arduous paths Buck went through were a reflection of American social 英 reality in the 20th century, and it reproduced the Klondike Gold Rush Age in American history. It’s a key point to study the writer’s viewpoints and the social background by analyzing Buck’s character. At the beginning this thesis 文 introduces Darwin’s Law of Nature—survival of the fittest. Then it describes Buck’s aspiration for new life. Gentle dog Buck went to the wasteland which was far away from human civilization but he adapted to the challenging 摘 environment very soon. It unfolded before our eyes the brightness of individual and spectacular of life vividly and incisively. In response to the call of the wild, Buck got back to the forest full of mystery and venture without 要 the slightest hesitation after Tom Thornton’s death. The third chapter expounds that Buck bears the nature of ferociousness and at the same time has a passion for sacrifice. We are convinced that it is incumbent upon the Fiend Buck to show responsibility, love and loyalty after obtaining human beings equal respect. This gives expression to Mencius ethical view that humans are born good. 关键词 Wildness; call; freedom; survival of the fittest 指导教师评定成绩 评审指导教师 评审要素 评审内涵 满分 基元 实评分 目的明确 选题符合专业培养目标～体现学科、专业特点和教学10 符合要求 的基本要求～达到毕业论文综合训练的目的。 选题符合本学科的理论发展～有一定的学术意义,对经济建理论意义或 质量设和社会发展的应用性研究中的某个理论或方法问题进10 实际价值 行研究～具有一定的实际价值。 25% 选题恰当 题目规模适当～难易度适中,有一定的科学性。 5 查阅文献 能独立查阅相关文献资料～归纳总结本论文所涉及的10 资料能力 有关研究状况及成果。 综合运用 能运用所学专业知识阐述问题,能对查阅的资料进行整10 知识能力 理和运用,能对其科学论点进行论证。 能力研究方案的 整体思路清晰,研究方案合理可行。 5 能力 水平 能运用本学科常规研究方法及相关研究手段,如计算机、40% 研究方法和手实验仪器设备等,进行实验、实践并加工处理、总结信10 段的运用能力 息。 外文应用 能阅读、翻译一定量的本专业外文资料、外文摘要和外5 能力 文参考书目,特殊专业除外,～体现一定的外语水平。 文题相符 较好地完成论文选题的目的要求。 5 写作水平 论点鲜明,论据充分,条理清晰,语言流畅。 15 论文 质量符合学术论文的基本要求。用语、格式、图表、数据、量写作 10 和单位、各种资料引用规范化、符合。 35% 文科1000左右(英语专业6000字左右)～理科8000论文篇幅 5 字左右。 实评总分 成绩等级 指导教师评审意见: 指导教师签名: 说明:评定成绩分为优秀、良好、中等、及格、不及格五个等级～实评总分90—100分记为优秀～80—89分记为良好～70—79分记为中等～60—69分记为及格～60分以下记为不及格。 评阅教师评定成绩 评审评阅教师 评审要素 评审内涵 满分 基元 实评分 目的明确 选题符合专业培养目标～体现学科、专业特点和教学10 符合要求 计划的基本要求～达到毕业论文综合训练的目的。 选题符合本学科的理论发展～有一定的学术意义,对经济建理论意义或 质量设和社会发展的应用性研究中的某个理论或方法问题进10 实际价值 行研究～具有一定的实际价值。 25% 选题恰当 题目规模适当～难易度适中,有一定的科学性。 5 查阅文献 能独立查阅相关文献资料～归纳总结本论文所涉及的10 资料能力 有关研究状况及成果。 综合运用 能运用所学专业知识阐述问题,能对查阅的资料进行整10 知识能力 理和运用,能对其科学论点进行论证。 能力研究方案的 整体思路清晰,研究方案合理可行。 5 设计能力 水平 研究方法和能运用本学科常规研究方法及相关研究手段,如计算机、40% 手段的运用实验仪器设备等,进行实验、实践并加工处理、总结信10 能力 息。 外文应用 能阅读、翻译一定量的本专业外文资料、外文摘要和外5 能力 文参考书目,特殊专业除外,～体现一定的外语水平。 文题相符 较好地完成论文选题的目的要求。 5 写作水平 论点鲜明,论据充分,条理清晰,语言流畅。 15 论文 质量符合学术论文的基本要求。用语、格式、图表、数据、量写作规范 10 和单位、各种资料引用规范化、符合标准。 35% 文科10000字左右(英语专业6000字左右)～理科8000论文篇幅 5 字左右。 实评总分 成绩等级 评阅教师评审意见: 评阅教师签名: 说明:评定成绩分为优秀、良好、中等、及格、不及格五个等级～实评总分90—100分记为优秀～80—89分记为良好～70—79分记为中等～60—69分记为及格～60分以下记为不及格。 三、湖南涉外经济学院本科毕业论文答辩记录表 论文题目 Analysis of the Complicated Nature of Buck in The Call of the Wild 外国语言文学学部英语专业2006级 作者姓名 汤浩坤 所属学部、专业、年级 指导教师 马玉侠 讲师 姓名、职称 答 辩 会 纪 要 时间 地点 答 姓 名 职务(职称) 姓 名 职务(职称) 姓 名 职务(职称) 辩 小 组 成 员 答辩中提出的主要问题及回答的简要情况记录: 会议主持人签名: 记录人签名: 年 月 日 评语: 答 辩 小 组 意 见 评定等级: 负责人(签名): 年 月 日 评语: 学 部 意 见 论文最终评定等级: 负责人(签名): 学院(公章) 年 月 日 评语: 学 校 意 见 评定等级: 负责人(签名): 年 月 日 Contents Abstract ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 1 Introduction ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 3 Chapter 1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild and the Nature of Buck ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 8 1.1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild ????????????????????????????? 8 1.2 Nature of Buck in Different Environments ???????????????????????????? 10 1.2.1 Living in the Lap of Luxury ???????????????????????????????????????????? 10 1.2.2 Facing Risks for the First Time ?????????????????????????????????????? 10 1.2.3 Working as a Sled Dog ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 11 1.2.4 Staying with Thornton ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 12 Chapter 2 Golden Spirit and Aspiration in Buck ???????????????????????????????? 13 2.1 Fighting Spirit ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 13 2.1.1 Facing the Dog Trainer ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? 13 2.1.2 Winning the Leadership ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? 14 2.1.3 Attacking Black Burton ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? 15 2.1.4 Fighting in the Wild ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 15 2.2 Down-to-earth Spirit ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 16 2.2.1 Dragging Sled for Perrault ?????????????????????????????????????????????? 16 2.2.2 Being under Scotch Half-breed’s Control ????????????????????? 17 2.3 Longing for New Life ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 18 2.3.1 Taking a Positive Attitude to the Life in the Warm Southland?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 18 2.3.2 Taking Delight in the Snow ?????????????????????????????????????????????? 19 I 2.3.3 Loving the Challenging World ???????????????????????????????????????? 19 2.3.4 Hearing Sounds Made by the Wild Life ???????????????????????? 19 2.3.4.1 Instinct Alive ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 20 2.3.4.2 Retained Wildness ????????????????????????????????????????????????? 20 2.3.5 Returning to the Wild after Thornton’s Death ???????????? 21 Chapter 3 Embodiment of Human Nature in the Fiend Buck ????????????? 23 3.1 The Nature of Buck as a Fierce Animal ???????????????????????????????????? 23 3.1.1 Duplicity and Cunning ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? 23 3.1.2 Dominions ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 24 3.2 Love and Loyalty to Thornton ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? 24 3.2.1 Jumping off the Cliff ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 25 3.2.2 Saving the Life of Thornton ???????????????????????????????????????????? 25 3.2.3 Helping Thornton Win the Bet ??????????????????????????????????????? 26 3.2.4 Taking Revenge on Yeehats ????????????????????????????????????????????? 26 3.3 The Philosophy of Mencius ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 27 Conclusion ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 28 Bibliography ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 31 Acknowledgements ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 33 II Analysis of the Complicated Nature of Buck in The Call of the Wild Tang Haokun Abstract The Call of the Wild is the masterpiece of Jack London who is one of the most renowned American writers. It was published in 1903. The complex character of the protagonist dog Buck is the main factor to cause the novel perpetual. The arduous paths Buck went through were a reflection of American social reality in the 20th century, and it reproduced the Klondike Gold Rush Age in American history. It’s a key point to study the writer’s viewpoints and the social background by analyzing Buck’s character. At the beginning this thesis introduces Darwin’s Law of Nature—survival of the fittest. Then it describes Buck’s aspiration for new life. Gentle dog Buck went to the wasteland which was far away from human civilization but he adapted to the challenging environment very soon. It unfolded before our eyes the brightness of individual and spectacular of life vividly and incisively. In response to the call of the wild, Buck got back to the forest full of mystery and venture without the slightest hesitation after Tom Thornton’s death. The third chapter expounds that Buck bears the nature of ferociousness and at the same time has a passion for sacrifice. We are convinced that it is incumbent upon the Fiend Buck to show responsibility, love and loyalty after obtaining human beings equal respect. This gives expression to Mencius ethical view that humans are born good. Key Words: Wildness; call; freedom; survival of the fittest 1 中文摘要 《荒野的呼唤》是美国著名作家杰克〃伦敦于1903年发表的成名作。狗主人公巴克性格的复杂性和多重性是作品长盛不衰的原因之一。巴克艰苦卓绝的生存道路～生动真切地反映了作者所处时代的美国社会的现实～再现了美国历史上的克朗代克淘金热。了解它的性格特征是我们解读作者思想观点和小说社会背景的关键。本文从达尔文的 “适者生存”的自然选择思想入手～分析了在不断变幻的生活环境中巴克的性格。第二章重点讲述了巴克对新生活的向往与渴望。驯服的南方狗巴克来到远离人类文明的荒原后很快适应了极具挑战性的生活。桑顿死后～巴克毫不犹豫地响应了森林里新生活的召唤～回到充满神秘与冒险的自由丛林。第三章主要论述了巴克既具有统治者的凶残狡诈的本性同时也富有献身者的无畏牺牲的激情。生性狡诈的巴克在得到人类平等的尊重和爱时表现出的义不容辞的责任、爱以及忠诚着实令人折服。孟子哲学的“性本善”思想在巴克身上得到了充分的体现。 关键词:野性,呼唤,自由,适者生存 2 Introduction Jack London as an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, autobiographer, simultaneously, a dramatist was born in January 1876 and died in November 1916. In a way, he is a famous naturalist. During the profession of letters, he contributed more than one hundred and fifty short stories, nineteen long stories, three plays and quite a lot of essays, etc. As one of the greatest realist writers, Jack London’s works which were regarded as classic in American literature have been read all over the world. Many class contradictions of American society at ththe beginning of the 20 century were showed in his works. What’s more, he revealed the miserable situation and revolutions of the people who lived in lower status in other capitalist countries. Jack London won wide recognition in China gradually. Chinese scholars began to study Jack London, and they recommended and translated his works from the 1920s and it came to a climax in the 1930s. It is well known to all of us that London’s thoughts cover Darwinism, socialism, Jungianism, Nietzsche’s superman philosophy and the like. Jack London himself was aimed at many problems of capitalism by raising socialist theory. This was in accordance with the development of thChina at the beginning of the 20 century, so we accepted his works positively and did a lot of studies in this area. As we know, among his 3 works, The Call of the Wild, which was published in 1903, is the most thwell-known and popular one. The 20 century was a period when American industry developed at a very fast speed, and naturalism came into being. The social background affected Jack London’s attitude toward life, the same to his works to a great extent. So before analyzing the works of Jack London, it is vital for us to know some information about the writing background, as well as the historical and social background of America between the end of the Civil War (1861-1865) and the beginning of World War I (1914 -1918). thIn the early period of the 19 century, America began to transform from an agricultural country to an industrialized nation, especially after the Civil War with the North triumph, the speed of transformation to industrialization was accelerated. In less than 50 years between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the first world war, the United States developed into a most heavily industrialized urbanized and continental nation in the world. People in the United States had been forced to come to terms with the implication of Darwin’s theory of evolution as well as with the profound changes in its own social institutions and cultural values (Hu Yintong & Liu Shusen 1995: 229). Machines instead of hands had created a substantial increase in manufacturing product, thus skilled handicraftsmen became unable to compete with the sophisticated equipment which was operated by semiskilled laborers. With the boom of 4 economy and the spread of prosperity, unfortunately, there were still up to half of all industrial workers leading a poverty-stricken life, many of whom were women and children (Fan Yue 2006: 50). Farmers were under the control of land speculators. Most urban labors regarded large cities as jungles where only the strongest could survive. Both farmers and urban labors had no right to pursue their own interests. The Vast Fortune came into the pockets of the bankers and industrialists. It was the period named “The Gilded Age” which was full of excess and extremes, of decline and progress, of poverty and dazzling wealth, of gloom and buoyant hope (Wu Weiren 1990 : 2) . The aggregation of capital and the growth of industry went with the development of America’s literature. Naturalism was one of the literary forms which was represented by Jack London who began to present the objectivity and reality of society. After hearing that there was gold mines in Klondike, Canada Jack London himself as a gold miner went there but came back with his hands free. Taking this experience as the literature material, Jack London created the masterpiece The Call of the Wild. The Call of the Wild covers the ups and downs of the tame south dog Buck. It was the greatest dog-story ever written and was at the same time a study of one of the most curious and profound motives that played hide-and-seek in the human soul (Charles A. Sanburg 1978: 254). 5 A great number of scholars both at home and abroad have made a study about The Call of the Wild. Their analyses range from the theme, the implied meaning of Buck, the features of age to the philosophy of life and so forth. But it is really a pity that the study about the protagonist’s character in London’s works seems not all-inclusive. Looking back on the protagonist dog Buck’s experience in The Call of the Wild, the nature of it is undoubtedly complicated. It embodies the affections and quality of human beings to some extent, through which Jack London had his theme of Nietzsche’s superman philosophy, naturalism, socialism and Mencius ethical view expressed. What’s more, analyzing the character of Buck can help us to study the social reality and today’s human nature further. This thesis is intended to analyze Buck’s complicated nature in three parts. Chapter 1 will give a brief introduction to The Call of the Wild and analyze the nature of Buck in different environments. Chapter 2 tells that Buck possessed the fighting spirit as well as down-to-earth vital spark. And we particularly describe Buck’s adjustment for new life in this chapter. Buck obeys different laws through his whole life. He adjusts himself well to the Northland to survive and he understands that once down will disappear. Chapter 3 shows the love and loyalty in the Fiend Buck which reveals Mencius ethical view that humans are born good. When Buck receives respect and love from human beings he will try to 6 find a chance to pay them back. This thesis is aimed to tell us that the spirit of fighting as well as that of down-to-earth are what we should possess in such a competitive world. If you do not try your best, you will be defeated; if you give your respect and love to the people around you, you will get them back. 7 Chapter 1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild and the Nature of Buck The Call of the wild is the masterpiece of Jack London. It was published in 1903. The complex character of the protagonist dog Buck has drawn many scholars’ attention. It’s a key point to study the writer’s viewpoints and the social background by analyzing the nature of Buck. Before analyzing Buck’s character, it is necessary for us to know the general idea about the work. 1.1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild The protagonist sled dog Buck originally lived in Santa Clara Valley, an unkissed house, enjoying a luxurious life. At the same time, the Golden Rush made thousands of men rush into the Northland but Buck had no sense of that. Unfortunately, he was sold by Manuel who betrayed his trust and was transited to Dyea to do hard work for the gold diggers. There he saw his first snow; he learnt the law of club; he was beaten but was not broken (Zhong Yong 2005: 013). He began to set foot in a world without civilization. He was clear about that once down he would die so he should struggle. In the daytime he was forced to follow the instruction to drag the shed, and in the dark he struggled along on the verge of starvation. To allay hunger, he learnt to steal food and leave the awkward one as the scapegoat. To keep warm, he learnt to dig holes in the snow 8 field. The moral nature in him was disappearing, instead he became full of guile. That was what he had to choose to survive in the wasteland. With the ancient song surging through him, he began to retrograde and the dominant desire was called from his body. But he adjusted himself so well to the new life and he had the down-to-earth spirit. Though he compelled himself not to pick fights, the clash for leadership seemed inevitable. Buck, the hero at last won the leadership in the bloody challenge resort to his duplicity and instinct. He managed his team in good order, thus built up its solidarity again. Unfortunately, there was another turn for Buck after he and his teammates broke a hunky-dory record. The team was taken over by a half breed Scotch and it seemed more serious that they were forced to do coolie to carry word for the people who sought gold everyday. What shocked us was that the dogs didn’t quit, and in addition Dave sacrificed his life in the hard trip. Before the toil ended, the team were in agony of pain thus they couldn’t undertake the task any more. Buck and his teammates were replaced by other stronger team of dogs and sold again. This time he suffered even more than before; his teammates left him one by one, however, the greedy gold diggers were discontent with them. At last, Buck couldn’t get up any more. He managed to rise under Hal’s whip but failed. He could sense the impending doom but his master insisted on. When he was beaten to die, Thornton saved his life, herein he enjoyed the kindness and humanity 9 which he hadn’t got for a long time. He for the first time felt genuine love which was aroused by John Thornton. In return, Buck gave Thornton endless love and firm loyalty. He not only saved Thornton’s life in a rip current, but also helped him realize his dream. But he retained his wildness and wiliness as a thing of the wild and was attracted by a mysterious calling (Zhong Yong 2005: 096). After Thornton’s death, he returned to the wild in answer to the calling without the slightest hesitation. 1. 2 Nature of Buck in Different Environments The nature of Buck changed with the environment where he lived. That goes the same to our human beings in today’s society. 1. 2. 1 Living in the Lap of Luxury Buck, the child of a huge ST. Bernard and a Scotch shepherd dog was born in Judge Miller’s big house and enjoyed a happy life. He played with the Judge’s children and protected them when they were out. He was so huge a dog that in his eyes his companions could not even count. It seemed that he ruled the whole house. He took pride in himself as if he were the significant one in the family. It was right Buck. He was an apple of the Judge’s eye, proud, intelligent, white-headed and with a tamed nature. 1. 2. 2 Facing Risks for the First Time When he realized that he was betrayed by Manuel for money, he 10 became angry and it was a turn of his Fortune's wheel. He began to attack the strangers who pulled him even his was in great pain. When he found that his efforts were in vain, he confused and did not know what would happen to him. His heart was broken. He wished he could see the Judge or the boys. When his self-esteem was hurt he refused to eat or drink. He even expressed his outrage to the postman. It was the first time Buck had ever faced such awful condition. He could find no way out but was indignant at all the strangers. He could not distinguish fair or foul. 1. 2. 3 Working as a Sled Dog Money exchange, again. Buck was transited to the cold Northland and was set to work as horses. His dignity was sorely hurt but he understood that it was no use rebelling. He should obey. If he revolted he would be whipped. The overwhelming force made him quickly learn how to drag the sled to please his masters. In the cold wasteland, Buck had to learn a series of methods to keep his life. Digging holes at the shivering windy night made him have a sound sleep. At the same time, he realized that if he was particular about the food, he would suffer from hunger or starvation. To struggle for existence, Buck learnt how to steal food from others secretly to meet his own needs. He knew that if he robbed openly, he would be beaten by the clubs. His moral nature was disappearing, however, he had no choice. 11 At the moment he set foot in the world without civilization, he did all he could to accept the reality without rebellion. He put down his status and gave up the cultivation thus he could survive. 1. 2. 4 Staying with Thornton Fortunately, Buck was saved by Thornton. What’s more, Thornton was a perfect master in his mind. It seemed that Buck went back to a civilized society. He was taken good care of and a special love in his body was awaken. His companions were not jealous of him. They shared the benevolence and tolerance of Thornton which was different from that of Judge Miller. He had come through so many masters from Perrault to the Scotch half-breed. When he enjoyed the well-being life, he was afraid that his Thornton would leave him one day. Therefore, he always kept Thornton at his elbow. He showed his love and loyalty to Thornton incisively and vividly. It seemed that Buck went back to a civilized society. However, life is always full of variables. Buck, as a common creature can not foresee the future world. If he can he will safeguard his lover wherever he goes. The life with Thornton was wonderful and he cherished it carefully until he was called by a mysterious calling. 12 Chapter 2 Golden Spirit and Aspiration in Buck The precious spirit in Buck manifests a complete reflection of today’s world. The fighting as well as down-to-earth spirit is vital for Buck and it is also very significant for the people living in modern society. Competition is becoming more and more furious, we should keep on keeping on. At the same time, we shoud yearn towards better life. Aspiration makes Buck pursue new life. In today’s society, aspiration encourage us to work hard to make great achievements. 2. 1 Fighting Spirit Buck possessed a spirit as precious as gold. His love for fighting was to struggle to survive. As we know, in the world full of competition only the strongest can survive. Survival of the fittest is a universal truth. 2. 1. 1 Facing the Dog Trainer When he was about to be let out of the cage, he behaved full of wrath to struggle. He attacked the strong man with his sharp teeth. Nevertheless, all his endeavors were in vain. But he did not quit and continued a dozen times. He did the last rush with his endeavor; unfortunately was beaten. He was so proud that he didn’t want to give up. Though he was black and blue but he was not broken. Buck was not scared in front of the formidable trainer. He rose up in resistance. Even he could not resist any longer, he did not make a 13 compromise. The stronger people can defeat him but can not destroy him. 2. 1. 2 Winning the Leadership When Buck was forced to do coolie to drag the sled with his teammates, he was cheerful no matter how hard the work was. The matter was that he was enraged at Spitz’s conduct the first day on the beach and Curly’s death gave him a great shock. Spitz happened to be the leader of the team. Buck, though, grew a strong dominant under the donkeywork, he did his utmost to control himself. However, when Spitz became aware of Buck’s threaten he grasped every chance to ride roughshod over Buck. He wanted to send Buck to the field of death. He took advantage of the occasion to occupy Buck’s warm nest. The behavior compelled Buck to fight against the devil Spitz. What surprised Spitz was that Buck was not a timid dog. He had courage in his blood. Actually Buck was a ferocious dog. The conflict between them was inevitable, because Buck began to threaten openly the leadership of Spitz. He wanted to be the leading dog. Chance arrived at last. The team were chasing a snowshoe rabbit, including Buck and Spitz. After the rabbit was killed by the white sharp teeth, a life-and-death struggle began. The primordial dominance in Buck was encouraged. With the instinct and wisdom, Buck became the champion. 14 He fought for the leadership courageously and occupied the dominant position successfully. 2. 1. 3 Attacking Black Burton Buck loved Thornton so deep that he accompanied Thornton day and night wherever Thornton went. One day, Thornton went to a bar. It happened that a fiery-tempered man called Black Burton was provoking. Thornton tried to mediate a settlement. However, Burton blew his stack on the spot and gave Thornton a punch heavily. At that moment, Buck was lying on the floor and watching his master be all eyes. Abruptly, he rose up in the air and went at the throat of Burton. The first time Buck did not succeed and he started another assault. Burton did not play big luck the second time and his throat was torn open. If someone threatened the security of Buck’s lover within his sight, he would stand out. 2. 1. 4 Fighting in the Wild Thornton decided to find a lost mine. Buck and the other dogs accompanied him and their journey was filled with danger. They made great efforts. Even though they did not find the Lost Cabin which was just a legend, they stumbled upon a mineral deposit and they made up their minds not to seek any longer. Thus, they settled down. Life was leisurely and carefree. Buck was evoked by the past memories. There was a mysterious calling for him, and he was attracted. 15 He made a dash to the forest one night after hearing the call. This time he did not attack the wolf and they became friends. Afterwards, the call in the wild seemed more imperious. Buck was restless for the second time. He began to wander in the woods to find his wild brother. During that period, he killed a big black bear and two wild wolves. The wild in his blood burst out. He could kill whatever wild animals if he would like. Once, he spent four days chasing and killing a chief bull. He had patience, determination and perseverance. After that, he found that his master Thornton was killed by the Yeehats. He had to revenge, so he killed the men. Thornton left him for ever. At the same time the call grew louder. He returned to the wild completely and he began to fight for existence. He understood clearly that if he failed he would become a corpse. So he must win, and he made it. The world is full of frustrations and it belongs to those who are strong enough. 2. 2 Down-to-earth Spirit There is another valuable spirit in Buck which makes him. Without such down-to-earth spirit, he may be beaten to death. It reveals that in the modern society we should work hard to gain a foothold. If not you will be a poor fish who lives on Social Assistance. 2. 2. 1 Dragging Sled for Perrault The lazy and happy times were gone. What Buck had to confront 16 was a Wild North. When he realized that there was no point in rebelling he made up his mind to do all that he could to work for his masters, with passion and faithfulness. In this way he gained praise from his master Francois and Perrault once in a while. Under the difficult environment, he insisted. He realized the value of his life as a sled dog. Day after day, he worked very hard. Their team made concerted effort and set up a new record, which pleased their master. It is the same to our human beings. Sometimes, we should work hard to get rewards. 2. 2. 2 Being under Scotch Half-breed’s Control Though Buck worked hard enough and his master was happy, unfortunately, this could not change his fate. In the world without civilization, Buck was the weak, so he could not rebel before he got power. He was sold to the Scotch Half-breed and forced to do coolie just as before. He made out all his effort to drag the sled which loaded the words for the Gold miners. They had to return to Dawson. Though Buck did not like it, he managed to bear and took pride in it. He had dreams but had to face the real world. The heavy sled tortured him as well as his teammates. This hard trip almost cost him his head. When they reached Dawson, they were short of weight. Buck was tired enough, however, it was Dave who suffered most and in the end sacrificed his life. Dave did not leave the team until the last minute of his 17 life. The other dog’s condition was not very good. When the team could not work any more, they were sold. The journey was full of ups and downs. Buck and his teammates were exhausted but they had to hold on. They did not quit until the last moment. It embodies the down-to-earth spirit thoroughly. Afterwards, they worked for two Americans heart and soul. 2. 3 Longing for New Life Every time when Buck comes up against some setbacks, he always has a thirst for the better condition. He is positive and energetic. 2. 3. 1 Taking a Positive Attitude to the Life in the Warm Southland Buck was born in an affluent family in the warm Southland. He could do what he wanted but he tried not to lose his nature to be a spoiled dog. He was neither a house dog nor a kennel dog (Zhang Yong 2005: 003). He hunted in the wild and paid much attention to his health. In Judge Miller's house he was the king who predominated over all the animals even the humans there. But his circle of life was so small that he did not know what was changing his fate. Buck was originally pure that he trusted in all the people around him including the gardener in the big house, unfortunately he was betrayed by the mean yardman. This insinuates the little potatoes that are not able to control the wheel of their own life in the world. But they may as well enjoy their 18 current carefree life. But it is very significant for them to have a strong vigilance, thus to insure their own safety. 2. 3. 2 Taking Delight in the Snow When Buck saw the snow for the first time, he seemed not to have any idea what snow was, however he showed great interest in it. It reveals that Buck is a creature longing for new things. He is curious about the Strange World, because in his deep heart he is not always toe the line. Though he don’t know what will happen when he gets in touch with the snow he is very optimistic. It tells us that when we are not sure about the future world we should keep a positive attitude. 2. 3. 3 Loving the Challenging World There is no doubt that Buck fell in love with the challenging world after realizing there was no point to rebel. Perhaps it is the club, the beat or the rugged environment that made him accept the reality. The competition was tough but he managed to adjust to it. The nature of wild in his body was waken up bit by bit, thus he actually became a lover of the waste land. The fact was that he made himself a successful leader. The longing in his nature never let him stop his feet. He should fight for survival, fight for a brand-new life. Life is a real hard nut to crack, so every one of us should keep moving, keep chasing. 2. 3. 4 Hearing Sounds Made by the Wild Life 19 The call aroused Buck’s nature as a wild animal. In the end, he went to the wild in answer to it. 2. 3. 4. 1 Instinct Alive Not only did Buck learn by experience, but instincts long dead became alive again (Zhang Yong 2005: 030). When the domesticated generations fell from him little by little, he intended to make a strategy to conceal something. Even so, he was considered as “two devil” in the eyes of the rulers. What’s worse, he was threatened by the stronger in all places. To get rid of the inferior position, he bid defiance to the leader. Resort to his judgment, quick thinking and quick acting he won the leadership. His longing for a new condition is crucial for his success. It teaches us that success belongs to a willing heart. Keep longing is a perpetual topic. 2. 3. 4. 2 Retained Wildness It seemed that the second time to enjoy the civilization made little Buck extraordinarily cherish. But he was scared when he realized the wildness and wiliness retained in his body. He belonged originally to the wild. Especially after he accompanied Thornton to the East to seek gold, the idle life made him lost in thought for long hours. The vision of the short-legged hairy man came to him more frequently and left him a deranged mind just like dreams (Zhang Yong 2005: 116). Closely akin to the visions of the short-legged hairy man was the sound sounding in the 20 depths of the forest. He was likely to be seized by an irresistible impulse. Eventually, he could not get control of himself, and sprang through the sleeping camp one night. He was widely glad. He realized that he was at last answering the call and old memories were coming upon him (Zhang Yong 2005: 121). It was his first time to leave Thornton. Afterwards, he was controlled by something wild and began to sleep out of camp at night. His longing for the wild especially for blood became stronger than ever before. He gradually immersed himself totally in the fighting. The heroic deeds of him embodied a kind of intense patience. Unfortunately, when he chased his prey day and night he lost Thornton for ever. When we are pursuing our new or better life we exert ourselves and get what we want but at the same time we may lose something else. It’s well known that you can not have a cake and eat it too. Before you make a choice, think twice. 2. 3. 5 Returning to the Wild after Thornton’s Death John Thornton was dead. There was no need for Buck to be concerned for Thornton any more. Man and the claims of man no longer bound Buck (Zhang Yong 2005: 134). What were left to Buck were memories. Buck ran side by side with the wild brother and began to live a completely new life in the waste wild. In our true life we are sometimes 21 bound by affection, worldliness, poverty or disease thus we can not make decisions freely. Like Buck, after the tie to him was broken he can search for his new life without any interference. 22 Chapter 3 Embodiment of Human Nature in the Fiend Buck Buck was a ferocious dog with complicated nature. The love and loyalty in him deserves our study most. Before Buck was obliged to the primitive he lived a care-free life and he managed to protect his hosts. After he went through the waste environment without civilization he came across John Thornton and thus the goodness in him was aroused. I hold that the nature of Buck is good. And Mencius considers that all humans are born good. 3. 1 The Nature of Buck as a Fierce Animal As a Fierce Animal, Buck is duplicity and cunning. 3. 1. 1 Duplicity and Cunning After Buck experienced maltreat he learnt the law of club and fang. In order to survive in the waste land without human civilization, Buck had to adjust himself to the harsh environment. Thus he was forced to learn to be duplicity and cunning. When Buck was expelled from the warm tent for the first time he learnt to avoid the chilly wind by digging holes in the snow land under the guidance of his friendly teammate. Buck not only had to give up the old custom he cultivated before, but he had to learn new rules. He stole the food of the others to fill up his own stomach. The first theft, the intention to flee from the defense of a moral consideration marked that Buck was fit to survive in the hostile Northland environment (Zhang 23 Yong 2005: 029). Under the law of love and friendship Buck surely would not do such, but under the law of club and fang he had to. It is true that surroundings may change our fate. A person’s nature is closely related to where he is. A little baby was good and honest when it was born. However, if you put him in an uncivilized circumstance and give him complete freedom without any moral restriction he will become ill just like Buck. 3. 1. 2 Dominions The dominant in Buck was strong, especially under the fierce conditions of trail life. Buck tried his best to control himself but it seemed that his enemy did not want to let him off and never lost any opportunity to start a fight. Buck was not a timid dog. When the land in his mind was broken into, he would rouse up in resistance. To get the dominant position in the team, Buck defeated his enemy. The dominance in him was stimulated by the particular environment. Just as the humans under the fierce competition today. If you don’t want to be dominated just dominate others. When a soldier does not want to be a general, he may not be an excellent soldier. Under the circumstances full of challenge, the desire to dominate is probably a wonderful thing. 3. 2 The Love and Loyalty to Thornton When Buck was saved by Thornton, the nature of goodness roused from his body. He showed deep love to Thornton as well as loyalty. 24 3. 2. 1 Jumping off the Cliff Buck loved Thornton from the bottom of his heart. There is no doubt that Thornton also loved Buck deeply. But one day Thornton commanded Buck to jump off the cliff without thinking. Thornton thought the sight was splendid. Buck did what Thornton said immediately and he achieved it. In an ideal condition of rest, harmony, stability, or joy what we need was something extraordinary. Sacrifice for love. Our behavior will fill our uneventful life with color and inspiration. To some extent Buck was an artist. 3. 2. 2 Saving the life of Thornton Buck did what he could to protect Thornton. For him, Thornton was the whole world. When Thornton was in danger he would be the first to save for him. In a fall, Thornton was carried downstream toward the worst part of the rapids. It was Buck that saved him irrespective of his own security. Buck struggled in the water but he did not quit. The spirit in Buck shook my heart deeply. Buck was such a man with willingness to sacrifice for his lover. In our daily life, we may also be willing to sacrifice for our dears or friends. At the same time, there may be someone who is right there waiting for us and manages to protect us. Just as the Chinese saying goes: 25 To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the whole world. In our society, a great number of people hold that money is supreme. They work hard on the way to wealth yet neglect the affection or relationship. I think if Buck lives in our true life he will be our model. He will abandon the intended business to protect his lover and the other people. 3. 2. 3 Helping Thornton Win the Bet Thornton had a dream, however, he would be incapable of realizing it on his own. Buck realized that and he tried to help Thornton to win a bet to get money. It was Thornton’s love that made him success. Before Buck started his task, Thornton knelt down by his side and whispered “as you love me”. “As you love me”, just this simple four words but it was enough. Buck did it so well that everyone was surprised. It was love that made Buck help Thornton realize his dream. It is love that makes the world go around. Nothing is impossible. What we should do is keeping moving on. The strength of love is infinity. 3. 2. 4 Taking Revenge on Yeehats The ending was Thornton died when Buck left him to chase his prey. The other dogs were all killed by the Yeehats. When this happened Buck sensed. In his heart Thornton was so significant that he could sense the calamity of Thornton. Unfortunately, it was too late for him to find Thornton. Yeehats hunted the spruce-bough lodge ferociously. 26 Buck could not help attacking the evil Yeehats. His heart was almost broken when he saw the enemy. Truly Buck was the Fiend incarnate and he revenged on the Indians by killing them. He took pride of himself. Buck thought if there were no spears and club in the hands of men he could kill them easier. The fact was that the humans killed the humans at first and Buck just revenged. If Thornton’s life had not been threatened Buck would not have lost his temper to end the precious life of humans. In the daily life if we do not trespass on others property we can sometimes avoid unnecessary trouble. We should learn to respect others thus to gain respect. Everyone was born good but he or she would change in the society. 3. 3 The Philosophy of Mencius Mencius, Ke by name, was a great thinker and educator as well as a represent of the Confucian school in the Warring States Period. The philosophy of Mencius reveals human nature. He thought human nature had four states. They are compassion, sense of shame, respect and humility and moral sense(Wang Yaohui 2003 : 17). He insisted that human were born good. Buck was such a creature in The Call of the Wild. He was born good but had to learn to give up the good nature to survive in the waste land without civilization. When he returned to the warm world he got rid of the bad habits again and he enjoyed the happiness of the nature. Buck was good in his nature. 27 Conclusion Literature is a special means to understand society and history. The Call of the Wild as one of Jack London’s masterpiece deserves the scholars’ study. This thesis analyzes the complicated nature of Buck from three aspects. In the first part, we hold the view that the nature of Buck in different environments is the same to us humans in a way. So it bears the characteristics of times. In today’s society, people will experience different circumstances and have to learn to adapt themselves to the surroundings. When we live a happy life we should not enjoy the pleasure without measure. We should cherish our life and set a high value on our time. When we run into a stone wall we should not give up and we must keep struggling, persist in fighting, and pursuing our new life all along. The wheel of history will never stop so we should keep moving. It is crucial that we must learn to adjust ourselves to different environments. However, when we are confronted with great difficulties we should keep an optimistic mind just like Buck. If we are to rebel we must get the chance, otherwise we have to change ourselves. The law of life is that only the strong can survive. Buck becomes mature under the law of club and fang, we grow up in the law of competition. 28 In the second part, we can sense the golden spirit and aspiration in Buck. The fighting as well as down-to-earth spirit deserves our learning. Buck insisted on fighting so he got the leadership. If we stick to fighting we may achieve great success. If not we would get nothing. Society is full of competition and contend, we should keep on fighting to gain our own place. Without fighting human beings would stop their steps thus our world would not make progress. The down-to-earth spirit also plays an important role in our daily life especially in Chinese history. The working class with the down-to-earth spirit in the ancient times created a lot of miracles. The historical and cultural heritage created by them had changed our outlook on many things. The working people had participated in the construction of spiritual civilization and furthered the stability of human society and the advancement of technology. In the modern world, people with the down-to-earth spirit work hard in their common places and achieve their dreams through hard work. Last but not the least, this thesis reveals that humans were born good. Buck was kind and honesty when he was born in the judger’s house. But the environment changed him. The complicated society forced him to abandon moral to adapt to the surroundings. Thus he became cunning and sophisticated. However, when he returned to the civilization the goodness in his nature was aroused and he managed to protect the people around him and showed them his love and honesty. The nature of Buck is the 29 reflection of that of our humans. What’s more, the philosophy of Mencius gives expression to it perfectly. In the present world, people may lose their initial purity and honesty in front of the unchecked materialistic pursuit. They may become duplicity and shifting. I think Buck could return to a pure world if we give him an opportunity but the point is that he himself must be willing to catch it. Offenders, criminals and the corrupt officials should learn to turn over a new leaf after realizing the mistakes but more often they do not. We can not receive them even though they have changed themselves. I have to admit that Thornton was a great man. He received Buck and took good care of him, loved him and trusted him. Buck could feel the gentle love so he returned Thornton the same love and loyalty. It is a glorious scene if we can forgive the people who has made mistakes before and provide them chances to find the initial purity. Humans were born good. 30 Bibliography [1] Allen Mary. Animals in American Literature [M]. Chicago : University of Illinois Press, 1983. [2] Charles Child Walcutt. Jack London [M]. Minneapolis : University of Minnesota Press, 1966. [3] Hu Yintong & Liu Shusen (Eds). A Course in American Literature [M]. Tianjin : Nan Kai University Press, 1995. [4] Jack London. The Call of the Wild in Lei Ming (Eds), Jack London Selected Stories [M]. Tianjin : Tianjin People’s Publishing House, 2001. [5] Pizer Donald. American Realism and American Naturalism [M]. Shanghai : Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2000. [6] Wu Weiren (Eds). History and Anthology of American Literature [M]. Beijing : Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1990. [7] 陈谦红.神话英雄巴克狗—解读《野性的呼唤》[J]. 2008年人文社会科学专辑～ 2008. [8] 范悦.美国文化(American Cultural Heritage) [M]. 对外经济贸易大学出版社～ 2006. [9] 刘福芹.《野性的呼唤》中对人性的呼唤(英文)[J]. 红河学院学报, 2006年 06期. [10] 李明华.人在荒野—当代生态文明观 [M]. 广东人民出版社～2003. [11] 王耀辉.孟子慷慨人生[Z] . 长江文艺出版社,2003年10月. 31 [12] 张勇.野性的呼唤[Z] . 北京:中国书籍出版社～2005年9. [13] 朱剑飞.《野性的呼唤》中巴克的双重性格分析[J]. 郑州航空工业管理学院学报(社会科学版), 2004年第23卷第03期. 32 Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Miss Ma Yuxia for her careful and instructive guidance, her constant encouragement and help. I am also deeply indebted to Professor Li Rongxuan, Professor Chen Shanmin and Miss Li Xiaohong for their lectures from which I obtained lifelong benefits in my four years of B. A. study. I would also like to thank my friends who once offered me their help in my study and life. Special thanks should also go to my family for their encouragement and support. 33 34