White Fang

by

Jack London

White Fang: Part 3, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
White Fang's "allegiance" to man strengthens as he runs about the Indian camp, learning to live under the mastery of humans. He obeys their calls and their clubs, gradually giving himself over "body and soul" to man's authority.
Man's clubs and calls coax White Fang's obedience, but he also shows a natural dispensation towards obedience because he gives himself over "body and soul."
Themes
Domestic Yearnings v. Natural Instinct Theme Icon
Mastery Theme Icon
Quotes
Literary Devices
Lip-lip bullies White Fang to no end, curtailing White Fang's puppyish aspect and compelling him to develop a cunning and mischievous character.
Lip-lip's bullying takes away White Fang's playfulness, setting him towards developing a sly, bitter character.
Themes
Nature v. Nurture Theme Icon
One day White Fang and Kiche stray to the edge of the forest, where they hear the wild's call. But the call of man is stronger, so Kiche returns to camp, leading her pup away from the wilderness.
White Fang and Kiche are torn between nature and civilization. Kiche chooses the safety of camp over the insecurity of the wild.
Themes
Domestic Yearnings v. Natural Instinct Theme Icon
Quotes
Literary Devices
Gray Beaver sells Kiche off to another Indian to pay off a debt. In terror at losing his mother, White Fang jumps into the water to pursue Kiche, as she's taken aboard a canoe. Gray Beaver, in his canoe, overtakes the pup, using his hand to lift White Fang out of the water and give him the worst beating he has ever experienced. White Fang shows his teeth, biting Gray Beaver's foot. But White Fang submits to his master's subsequent blows, learning never to bite, nor stray from his master.
Through a violent beating, Gray Beaver asserts his mastery over White Fang. In spite of this violence, White Fang still shows his wild instincts to fight and bite. But Gray Beaver's violence—his greater power—overcomes White Fang's urge to defend him self. Instead, violence teaches him to be submissive and obey his master.
Themes
Domestic Yearnings v. Natural Instinct Theme Icon
Mastery Theme Icon
Get the entire White Fang LitChart as a printable PDF.
White Fang PDF