Brown wolves - this is one of the main topics in the work of the famous American writer Jack London. He traveled extensively in Alaska in search of gold mines, but instead of gold he found subjects for his fascinating and life-like stories, novels and novels. Very often, the main characters of his books were animals, primarily wild dogs and wolves. It was they who symbolized freedom, independence and pride in the works of the author.
a brief description of
Brown wolves are a special species of wild dogs that are half predators, half domestic animals. This is precisely the main character of the story of the writer. This short story was included in his collection âLove for Lifeâ (1907). This work belongs to his early works.
Against the background of other major works of the author, it is considered not too famous, but deserves no less attention, because it can be used to trace the features of the author's writing style. Brown wolves are not uncommon in North America. They were used in the far north and central states as sled dogs. That was precisely the fate of the main character of the story.
Introduction
At the beginning of his work, Jack London introduces readers to a happy young married couple with a wild dog, which they called the Wolf. The writer briefly but very expressively paints a picture of their home comfort. From the very beginning, we learn that young people live poorly, very simply, but very happy.
The husband, Walt Irwin, is a poet; his wife, Mej, is engaged in housekeeping. They have a small cottage located in a very picturesque area, which, apparently, serves as a source of inspiration for Walt.
Hero description
Brown wolves are a special breed of animal that is remarkable both for its appearance and character. The main character has a very specific appearance, which seems to emphasize the contradictory nature of his nature. It is covered with brown hair, but it has white spots on its legs and belly. His ears were slightly frostbitten, which immediately revealed in him a difficult past in the North. His grin was wide, but he never barked and only growled. He was extremely hardy and physically strong. The wolf was capable of very high speed and hundreds of miles a day. Outwardly, he resembled a wild dog, but according to habits seemed like a real wolf.
Character
Jack London has always portrayed animals as living people. He very subtly and accurately conveyed their psychological experiences, which are very similar to human feelings. Therefore, his stories about animals were so popular with readers. The wolf, who lived with the Irwin couple, was distinguished by an extremely obstinate and wayward character.
He was stubborn and did not respond to the caresses of the people who sheltered him. In any attempt to caress, he only growled and scared away not only the neighbors, but even the owners themselves. The beast proved extremely persistent in its drive toward the north. Several times he fled from the Irvines and rushed north. This wild indefatigable thirst for freedom did not leave him even when the young spouses managed to tame him. However, having remained with his masters, he retained his secluded and unsociable disposition. It took a lot of time before they managed to achieve his disposition to themselves.
The background of the hero
The story âThe Brown Wolfâ, the summary of which is the subject of this review, is written in the best traditions of the work of the writer of London. One of the main topics in his work is the idea of ââfreedom, which was possible only in the wild. The protagonist of the story suddenly appeared at the Irvinov cottage. He was wounded and very thin. They fed him, and after a while the beast escaped. About a year later, Walt discovered him in another state and returned home. The spouses again fed him and went out, but the wolf was drawn to the wild and, barely recovering, he again went north.
Many times he was caught and returned, and another year passed before he humbled himself and remained in the house of his new owners. In the work âBrown Wolfâ, the brief content of which should include a description of his relationship with the Irvins, the author focuses on how difficult it was for the spouses to gain his trust. He did not immediately let himself caress, and when he got used to it, he expressed his gratitude very restrainedly, which is shown at the very beginning of the work. From all it was clear that the Wolf had not forgotten his past life and, although he became attached to new people, he yearned for the former owner.
Irvine Life
Separately, mention should be made about the lifestyle of the spouses. They did not live well, but in abundance. The main article of their income was the fees from the publisher, which Walt received for his poems. With this money, the couple lived economically, but quite comfortably. They provided for themselves and their beloved pet. Their house was located in the south of the mainland.
More than once, the author emphasizes this circumstance in the story "Brown Wolf". Irwin's address is even indicated for sure: California, Sonoma, Glen-Ellen Street. By indicating this address, the writer probably wanted to emphasize the difference in the old and new life of his hero. Indeed, from the very beginning it is clear that Bury came from the North, where living conditions were extremely harsh and difficult. With his new masters, he began to live a well-fed and calm life, although it took a long time before he reconciled to his new existence. He still lived in love for his homeland, and it took a whole year for him to get used to his new place. A considerable merit in this belongs to the Irvines themselves, who made a lot of efforts in order to gain his trust.
However, in the first part of the story, the author shows that from time to time they had to save money in order to buy the necessary products. Nevertheless, the beast did not know anything in need, since both loved him and took good care of him. Thus, the brown wolf is almost used to the domestic way of life. The theme of the work, however, constantly returns the reader to his past.
Tie
The sudden appearance of a sudden guest disrupts the familiar and calm lifestyle of the Irwin couple. Once, near their cottage, they meet a traveler who looked like a traveler. His appearance is in sharp contrast with young people. He was severe and seemed a man tempered in trials. At first glance it was possible to conclude that he traveled a lot, that his life was difficult and harsh. When meeting with him, the brown wolf behaved in the most unexpected way. The description of the wolf at the time of the meeting deserves special mention.
At the sight of this man, who called himself Skiff Miller, he whined for the first time, and this meant that he was extremely happy about this meeting. Surprised young people did not immediately understand that this stern man was the owner of their pet. Skiff said that the real name of the beast is Brown. He was his favorite and ran a dog team leader. He was considered the best dog, because he was faithful, devoted to his master, was extremely hardy, could travel long distances in a short period of time. The traveler's story astounded the Irvins.
Skiff story
One of the best, although not too well-known works of London is the story âBrown Wolfâ. Who defended the rights of the wolf - this is perhaps the main question that the writer poses in his story. Skiff's story shows that this man led a harsh working life, full of hardships, anxieties and troubles. Once the owner himself, finding himself in the cold without food, almost ate his own favorite. Fortunately, at that time he came across a wild moose, and this saved the Wolf.
Nevertheless, the reader learns from the travelerâs story that the beast was happy while being with his master. He was devoted to him and sincerely loved him, despite the harsh treatment and difficult life. No wonder he, at an unexpected meeting, rushed to meet him and the first one allowed himself to caress, which had never happened before. Skiff also said that many travelers showed interest in his pet, as he was strong and hardy. But he defended the dog in his own way, since he did not sell it even for very large sums.
The relationship of the hero with Skiff
The work âBrown Wolfâ is dedicated to the drama of this hero, who at the time of the appearance of his first, but now former owner, faced a very difficult choice. He managed to become very attached to the Irvines, although he did not express his feelings too violently. He was very reserved with them and did not allow much to caress himself. Nevertheless, the Wolf fell in love with Walt and even got used to Mej after a while. But at the same time, he was very happy to meet with Skiff. The latter said that he raised him and went out as a native child, looked after him, spent the last money for his food. Twice they offered a lot of money for him, but Skiff refused, because he loved him. According to Miller, he was the most intelligent and quick-witted in the entire harness. The heroes of the story "Brown Wolf" began to argue for the right to leave a smart dog at home.
Action development
The couple and Miller argued for a while about who would take the dog to him. Each of them felt entitled to shelter a dog in his house. Their dialogue is interesting in that two worldviews, completely opposite to each other, clashed in it. We learn from Skiffâs remarks that he never thought about the feelings of his pet, being sure that the dog is happy with him and that he does not need another life. Medj reasoned otherwise. She spoke about the dogâs right to make her choice. Of particular interest is the clash of two views on life in the work âBrown Wolfâ. The main idea of ââthe work is the assertion of the right to freedom, which, according to the writer, everyone, even a running dog, has. Skiff was sure that with him the dog would still be happy. Mej claimed that the dog deserved peace and a quiet, well-fed life after all the trials that she had to endure during that difficult time when she was running in a harness. Walt supported his wife, and Skiff, after some thought, was forced to agree with her. So, all three decided to give Wolf the right to choose, and this decision turned out to be fatal for all parties to the dispute.
Climax
The scene of the choice of the owner of the dog is perhaps the most powerful in the story "Brown Wolf". The writer very vividly and believably described his feelings and experiences. The dog behaved like a living person who is forced to break between his beloved people. It is in this scene that the reader sees how much the dog has become attached to the Irvines. He fondled with them, as though begging to stay with him. However, all three agreed not to lure him to their side, and to pretend to be indifferent, so that the choice of the beast would be as "impartial" as possible.
It is both difficult and painful to read the lines in which the author described the throwing and torment of the wolf, who sought help and support from each of those present. He seemed to be looking for support from both Skiff and the Irvines. However, the former, with apparent indifference and indifference, was leaving the cottage, and Walt pretended to be indifferent to everything that was happening. The only one who tried to stop the dog was Mej. However, she fell silent under the imperious gaze of her husband. Such behavior determined the decision of Bury, who in such a situation behaved as only a beast accustomed to freedom and independence could act.
Denouement
The writer London described the character of his hero very truthfully. âBrown Wolfâ is a story that is dedicated to revealing the image of a dog, which the author describes as a person. Having received no support from either Skiff or the Irvines, the dog rushed forward into the forest. He did not stay with any of them, and such a decision proves the indefatigable thirst for freedom in him. The author describes in detail the behavior of his character, who gradually and slowly gained speed as he approached the cherished goal. In this final passage, the dog finally found the desired will. He renounced attachment to both Skiff and the Irvines. These people treated him badly when they rejected him at the most difficult moment of his life. Therefore, he preferred to remain alone. This is precisely the freedom-loving pathos of the whole work.
Idea
The homeland of the wolf from the story âBrown Wolfâ largely determines the whole meaning of the story. The fact is that he lived all his life in the Klondike Valley. This is the name of the river in Canada. The local area was considered gold-bearing, but it was difficult for those travelers who went in search of metal. However, according to Stiff, Brown was happy when he ran in a team and shared with the owner all the difficulties of his life. Miller himself was so attached to him that after his disappearance went in search of him. The free wild life that the Wolf led in the north made him so unsociable. The character of the beast was heavy, but the stronger and stronger were his attachments to those people who helped him in difficult times. However, he was too independent, and therefore, when the three owners refused to give him advice or help, he rushed into the forest, apparently, having decided to live his own way. In this situation, the author's sympathy is entirely on the side of the dog. The author emphasizes that he had no other choice, and at the same time he respected his decision, which at the moment seemed the only right one. This clever dog simply could not do otherwise. None of those present supported her. Brown was subjected to a terrible test, from which he emerged victorious.
The writer focuses the reader on the fact that this beast, so wild by nature, turned out to be wiser than people. Moral truth remained on the side of this dog, who behaved as his conscience told him, while his masters hid from him their true feelings, forcing him to decide his fate. In fact, their argument was selfish. And although readers cannot doubt Walt and Mejâs sincere desire to keep their beloved pet, nor can they doubt Skiffâs love for him, nevertheless, we understand that they acted extremely unjustly towards the unfortunate animal. Undoubtedly, they should somehow agree among themselves and not torment him with such a severe test, which turned out to be higher than his strength.
It is difficult to find a definition of their behavior in this case. Everyone acted with good intentions, but the way they chose was not worthy of them. Perhaps this is especially true for Skiff, who at the beginning of his appearance appeared to be a straightforward, honest, alien person of all sorts of tricks of this kind. As for the Irwin spouses, then on their part, perhaps, it was a completely understandable act. It should also be remembered that it was Maj who proposed to conduct such a test. Perhaps she did not fully understand how inappropriate it was to subject the animal to such a serious test. Walt at first almost decided to end this argument by force. He and Skiff seemed ready to fight for the right to own a wolf. In this scene, each of the participants forgot that he was dealing with a creature very vulnerable by nature, which is difficult to choose between past and present. It is not surprising, therefore, that all the sympathies of the author are entirely on the side of Bury. His simple attitude to life turned out to be as wise as life itself is wise. Perhaps this ending will seem unexpected, since one could expect that the Wolf would nevertheless rush after his old master, with whom he spent most of his life. Others might have thought that he would stay with the Irvines. But after reading the work, there can be no doubt that this story should have ended just like that.