荒野的呼唤中巴克的多重性格分析毕业论文.doc

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 ContentsAbstract1Introduction3Chapter 1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild and the Nature of Buck81.1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the Wild 81.2 Nature of Buck in Different Environments 101.2.1 Living in the Lap of Luxury101.2.2 Facing Risks for the First Time101.2.3 Working as a Sled Dog111.2.4 Staying with Thornton12Chapter 2 Golden Spirit and Aspiration in Buck 132.1 Fighting Spirit132.1.1 Facing the Dog Trainer132.1.2 Winning the Leadership142.1.3 Attacking Black Burton152.1.4 Fighting in the Wild152.2 Down-to-earth Spirit162.2.1 Dragging Sled for Perrault162.2.2 Being under Scotch Half-breeds Control172.3 Longing for New Life18 2.3.1 Taking a Positive Attitude to the Life in the Warm Southland18 2.3.2 Taking Delight in the Snow19 2.3.3 Loving the Challenging World192.3.4 Hearing Sounds Made by the Wild Life19 2.3.4.1 Instinct Alive20 2.3.4.2 Retained Wildness20 2.3.5 Returning to the Wild after Thorntons Death21Chapter 3 Embodiment of Human Nature in the Fiend Buck233.1 The Nature of Buck as a Fierce Animal23 3.1.1 Duplicity and Cunning23 3.1.2 Dominions243.2 Love and Loyalty to Thornton243.2.1 Jumping off the Cliff253.2.2 Saving the Life of Thornton253.2.3 Helping Thornton Win the Bet263.2.4 Taking Revenge on Yeehats263.3 The Philosophy of Mencius27Conclusion28Bibliography31Acknowledgements33Analysis of the Complicated Nature of Buck in The Call of the WildTang HaokunAbstractThe 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. Its a key point to study the writers viewpoints and the social background by analyzing Bucks character. At the beginning this thesis introduces Darwins Law of Naturesurvival of the fittest. Then it describes Bucks 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 Thorntons 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IntroductionJack 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 Londons works which were regarded as classic in American literature have been read all over the world. Many class contradictions of American society at the beginning of the 20th century were showed in his works. Whats 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 Londons thoughts cover Darwinism, socialism, Jungianism, Nietzsches 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 China at the beginning of the 20th century, so we accepted his works positively and did a lot of studies in this area. As we know, among his works, The Call of the Wild, which was published in 1903, is the most well-known and popular one. The 20th century was a period when American industry developed at a very fast speed, and naturalism came into being. The social background affected Jack Londons 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). In the early period of the 19th 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 Darwins 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 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 Americas 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). 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 protagonists character in Londons works seems not all-inclusive. Looking back on the protagonist dog Bucks 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 Nietzsches superman philosophy, naturalism, socialism and Mencius ethical view expressed. Whats more, analyzing the character of Buck can help us to study the social reality and todays human nature further. This thesis is intended to analyze Bucks 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 Bucks 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 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. 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. Its a key point to study the writers viewpoints and the social background by analyzing the nature of Buck. Before analyzing Bucks character, it is necessary for us to know the general idea about the work.1.1 A Brief Introduction to The Call of the WildThe 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 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 didnt 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 couldnt 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 couldnt get up any more. He managed to rise under Hals 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 which he hadnt 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 Thorntons 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 Thorntons death, he returned to the wild in answer to the calling without the slightest hesitation. 1. 2 Nature of Buck in Different EnvironmentsThe nature of Buck changed with the environment where he lived. That goes the same to our human beings in todays society. 1. 2. 1 Living in the Lap of LuxuryBuck, the child of a huge ST. Bernard and a Scotch shepherd dog was born in Judge Millers big house and enjoyed a happy life. He played with the Judges 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 Judges 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 became angry and it was a turn of his Fortunes 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 DogMoney 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. 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 ThorntonFortunately, Buck was saved by Thornton. Whats 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. Chapter 2 Golden Spirit and Aspiration in Buck The precious spirit in Buck manifests a complete reflection of todays 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 todays 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 TrainerWhen 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 didnt 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