How does Jack London use symbolism in the novel?

Jack London effectively uses symbolism throughout "The Call of the Wild" to enhance the themes of survival and the primal instincts that emerge in the face of harsh natural conditions. The animals in the story, particularly Buck, represent not just individual characters, but also the broader concepts of survival, adaptation, and the instinctual drive of nature. Buck’s transformation from a domesticated pet to a formidable creature attuned to the wild reflects the struggles and resilience necessary to thrive in an unforgiving environment.

Each encounter Buck faces symbolizes the challenges of life in the wild, highlighting the theme that survival often requires embracing one’s inherent instincts and capabilities. This shift into a more primal state underscores the narrative’s exploration of the relationship between civilization and nature, illustrating that within the struggle for survival, there is also a deeper call to one's primordial self. Thus, the animals in the story serve as powerful symbols of both the struggle against nature and the instinctual drive to survive, making this choice the most accurate representation of London's use of symbolism in the novel.