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Kiche, the she-wolf
The Oblong Box/ Coffin
The "long and narrow oblong box" that Bill and Henry tow across the Klondike is the coffin that carries the remains of Lord Alfred, an aristocrat who died on the trail. His coffin symbolizes death… read analysis of The Oblong Box/ Coffin
Light
As a pup, White Fang first encounters light at the entrance of the cave, where he is born. He perceives light as a permeable wall by which his father, One Eye, enters and exits… read analysis of Light
Water
White Fang nearly drowns while swimming in a stream, so water comes to signify death and the unknown. read analysis of Water
The Law of Meat
Meat symbolizes life and hunger. From an early age, White Fang recognizes the role of meat in life: it sustains life by relieving the potentially fatal pangs of hunger and famine. To eat is to… read analysis of The Law of Meat
The Porcupine
The porcupine represents chance and opportunity. When One Eye hunts in the wild he sees a Lynx attempting to poach a porcupine. The lynx pounces, piercing himself on the spiny creature's quills. One Eye takes… read analysis of The Porcupine
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The Hawk
As a pup, White Fang observes a hawk swoop down and kill a mother ptarmigan, (a small chicken-like bird that resides in the arctic). White Fang learns that hunting is a perilous venture, but also… read analysis of The Hawk
The Yellow Weasel
The weasel is another symbol of death and nature's law. The weasel almost kills the young White Fang by biting into his jugular, a major blood artery, that if severed would result in instant death… read analysis of The Yellow Weasel
Fire
White Fang is impressed by man's ability to make fire. As a man-made source of light and warmth, it represents man's "mastery over matter," both live and lifeless things. As such, as it stands a… read analysis of Fire
Laughter
As a pup, the Indians laugh at White Fang for showing signs of weakness, or stupidity, like yelping, or burning his nose on the fire. Beauty Smith also laughs at White Fang maniacally to incite… read analysis of Laughter
White Fang and the Wild
The wild symbolizes the fear of the unknown. An unpredictable and perilous place, domesticated dogs often cringe in fear from the wilderness. They similarly cower from White Fang, who is closely associated with the… read analysis of White Fang and the Wild
The Call
The call is a wild force that beckons White Fang and Kiche to return to nature. Because they ultimately disregard the call, it represents a tempting, but unheeded urging to return to the wild. Instead… read analysis of The Call
The Club
The club is a symbol of violence, discipline, and obedience. Throughout the novel, humans use the violent power of the club to make their animals submissive and obedient. Gray Beaver clubs White Fang when he's… read analysis of The Club
Man's Hand
All of White Fang's owners use their hands to strike White Fang in order to correct his behavior. White Fang comes to regard man's hand as an instrument of hurt, punishment, danger, cunning, and mastery… read analysis of Man's Hand
The Stick and Leather Thong
The stick and leather thong represent dogs' bondage to their human masters. Throughout the novel, humans use the stick and leather thong to prevent their animals from escaping into the wild. Bill and Henry bind… read analysis of The Stick and Leather Thong
The Chain
Used to constrain White Fang, like the stick and leather thong, the chain is a symbol of man's mastery and ownership over canines. read analysis of The Chain
Barks, Growls, and Howls
White Fang expresses his feelings through barks, growls, and howls. Though White Fang often snarls at his humans and animals adversaries, he develops a low and steady growl to show affection towards Scott and… read analysis of Barks, Growls, and Howls
The Northland
The Northland refers to the Canadian Klondike and the cold and harsh conditions of life in this region. It is associated with nature's merciless ways and the wilderness. read analysis of The Northland
The Southland
The Southland refers to California and the warm and comfortable conditions of life in this region. It is associated with civilization, domesticity, and the laws of man and society. read analysis of The Southland
Pups
Pups symbolize parenthood and new life. read analysis of Pups
