Use Jayce’s outline to write your own literary analysis of White Fang. Consider each of the bulleted points mentioned in the lesson:

Question

• how the author develops the plot

• whether the structure of the novel makes sense

• how and why the characters change (what they learn, and how their change points to the novel’s theme)

• how the setting affects the characters and the plot

Answer 1

In Jack London’s White Fang, the plot explores the growth and development of a wolf-dog hybrid, White Fang. Through a series of encounters with different humans and animals, White Fang learns about the harsh realities of life and the brutality of survival. The author develops the plot by showing how White Fang adapts and learns from his experiences, making him a stronger and more cunning predator.

The structure of White Fang is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on White Fang’s life in the wild, while the second part shows his assimilation into human society. While the structure initially seems disjointed, it ultimately makes sense as it highlights the stark contrast between life in the wild and life with humans. This contrast reinforces the novel's theme that adaptability is crucial for survival.

Throughout the novel, White Fang undergoes significant changes, particularly in the second part of the book. For example, he transitions from being a fierce, independent wolf-dog to a loyal companion. White Fang's transformation highlights the theme of nurture versus nature and the idea that environment plays a significant role in shaping one’s character.

The setting of White Fang, the harsh environment of the Canadian wilderness, plays a significant role in the characters' development and the plot. The unforgiving wilderness shapes the characters’ survival instincts, forcing them to adapt and overcome to survive. This setting reinforces the novel's theme of the importance of adaptation in survival.

In conclusion, White Fang is an excellent example of the development of a character through various experiences in different environments. London's choice in structure and setting complements the plot’s development of White Fang’s character and reinforces the novel's themes of adaptation and nature versus nurture. Overall, White Fang is a classic novel that continues to inspire readers with its powerful message of adaptability and perseverance.