Jack London's Ecological Complex

Jack London is one of the greatest American novelists in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Many of his works are very popular among readers both in America and abroad. London's most famous book is The Call of the Wild published in 1903. This novel blends his experiences in the Canadian wilderness with his ideas about nature and the struggle for existence. This thesis, based on the previous studies, analyzes London's ecological idea filled in The Call of the Wild from the perspective of ecocriticism.Ecocriticism is the study of the relationship between literature and the physical environment. It is a form of environmental advocacy, designed to analyze writing concerned with environmental issues and to revisit classics by reading them ecocentrically. Ecocriticism concentrates on advocating harmonious relationship between human and nature.This thesis is composed of an introduction part, a conclusion part and four chapters. These four chapters study and analyze respectively literature review, theoretical basis, anthropocentrism embodied in the novel and eco-centrism embodied in the novel.Chapter one has a brief and comprehensive literature review, looking back on the previous researches on Jack London's works especially The Call of the Wild. Up to now, many scholars have approached this novel from various perspectives, most of which focus on its naturalistic tendency influenced by Darwinian evolutionary theory. However, Jack London did express deep and serious ecological concepts in this work, which is neglected by literary critics. This thesis analyzes Jack London's ecological complex through the novel The Call of the Wild.Chapter two introduces the related theory-ecocriticism which is the theoretical basis of this research.Chapter three and four are the main parts of the thesis and from two opposing sides interpret London's ecological thoughts in The Call of the Wild. Chapter three elaborates on London's criticism of anthropocentrism which is embodied in his description of unhealthy relationship between human and nature and the dark and ugly side of human civilization. Human's mistreatment of animals and intrusion to the world destroy the harmonious relationship with nature. Humanity is also part of nature. The darkness of human nature is undermining the ecosystem as well.Chapter four mainly discusses how eco-centrism is embodied in the novel. Harmonious relationship between human and nature is the most important manifestation of eco-centrism. Jack London expresses his longing for this harmony and makes returning to nature as the central theme of the novel. The writer believes that returning to nature is not only Buck's ideal destination, but the humankind's.In a word, this thesis tries to analyze Jack London's ecological thought embodied in the The Call of the Wild from two contrasting perspectives-one is his criticism on anthropocentrism, the other his longing for the harmony between human and nature. Criticism on anthropocentrism and pursuit of harmony between nature and human are the very two characteristics of eco-centrism. It has to be acknowledged that to some extent The Call of the Wild not only promotes the development of ecological literature of that time, but also educates the readers on animal rights and ecological protection.