White Fang

by Jack London

White Fang: Allusions 1 key example

Definition of Allusion

In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Part 3, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—The Call of the Wild:

After White Fang and Kiche have gone to live with the Indians, White Fang hears a “call” coming from the wilderness that he and his mother have left behind. This call is an allusion to White Fang’s companion novel, The Call of the Wild, which was published three years prior. 

In Part 3, Chapter 2, White Fang hears this call and attempts to convince his mother to return with him to the Wild. His mother, however, is drawn back to the Indian camp by the call of domestic life sounding deep within her, and doesn’t budge:

There  was something calling to him out there in the open. His mother heard it too. But she heard also that other and louder call, the call of fire and of man—the call which has been given alone of all animals to the wolf to answer, to the wolf and the wild-dog, who are brothers.