ISSN: 2265-6294

Rethinking Species Hierarchy: A Study of Jack London's White Fang (1906) from Zoocritical Perspective

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Nikhilesh Dhar, Bapin Mallick

Abstract

Human beings have elevated themselves to a position of dominance, asserting their superiority over other species by virtue of their perceived higher level of civilization and rationality. In this way, humans have started to create an identity for themselves as the epitome of creation, and their inherent qualities are deemed superior to those of any other terrestrial entity. Hence, they have assumed a position of superiority, attributing themselves a sense of dignity while withholding such recognition from nearly all other living organisms. Throughout history, there has been a pervasive lack of equitable treatment of animals by humans, resulting in a prevalent pattern of exploitation and abuse inflicted upon them. The present paper explores the relationships between humans and animals as depicted in Jack London’s White Fang, with a focus on the superior position of humans in our society and how this dominance has been employed to exert control over animals by silencing the voice of the other (nonhuman). It also analyses the degree to which human beings have been successful or unsuccessful in managing or suppressing their innate animalistic tendencies. This study also tries to foreground the relationship between humans and animals by deconstructing the binary of nature and culture with a view to advocating the importance of all organisms in the biosphere.

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