White Fang Summaries

PART ICHAPTER 1SummaryThe novel starts with a description of the landscape in the Northland Wild, which is a cold and desolate place. Some “wolfish dogs” are harnessed to a sled without runners. The sled is made of birch bark and rests on the snow. On the sled lies a narrow, oblong box, along with other essential items, including blankets, an axe, a coffee pot, and a frying pan. The box is actually a coffin, and in it lies Lord Alfred, a companion of Bill and Henry, whom the reader meets in this chapter. Clothed in fur and leather, they are traveling across the snow. It is almost evening when they hear a wolf’s call, which is answered by other wolves; the lonely sounds of the wolves make the two men uneasy. Once it is dark, they bring the dogs together near a cluster of spruce trees along the water, where they set up camp. The dogs are restless but show no intentions of straying from the fire.
The two men begin talking. Bill tells Henry that he had to get an extra portion of fish to feed the dogs, because there were seven dogs instead of six. After counting only six dogs, Henry scoffs at Bill and tells him he is seeing things. Bill confirms his story by saying that he has seen the tracks of a new animal coming into the camp. Just then, they hear the wolves howling, and Bill thinks that the visitor may have been one of the wolves. The conversation turns to the dead companion, who was a wealthy man -- a “lord or something in his own country.” The talk is interrupted by the dogs, who grow very agitated. One dog’s coat is nearly burned when he gets too close to the fire in his restlessness. The men look up and see a pair of gleaming eyes in the darkness.
The men, with only a couple of cartridges left for their gun, wish they had more ammunition. Bill, in fact, wishes he had not come on this trip. Like the dogs, he is restless. When he tries to sleep, he is awakened by the dogs. When he counts their number, there are seven dogs again. Bill makes an unsuccessful attempt to wake Henry to prove he is not seeing things. The next morning, Henry is the first to wake. Bill rolls up the blankets and prepares the sled. He tells Henry that they now have only five dogs left, for Fatty has disappeared.
NotesThe first chapter of the novel begins with a powerful description of the Northland Wild, a cold and remote place. The land is lifeless, with “a laughter cold as the frost and partaking of the grimness of infallibility.” The author further captures the mood of this place by saying that “it was the masterful and incommunicable wisdom of eternity laughing at the futility of life and the effort of life.” There is something about the Northland Wild that tries to defeat man and makes a mockery of his attempt at survival.
The author builds the atmosphere of the novel with his eerie description of the setting. The howling of wolves, the interminable stretching of the snow, and the image of sunless days contribute to a fearful tone. Additionally, there has been a death, for a coffin sits on the sled. It is interesting that the dead man occupies a place on the sled among odds and ends, such as the coffee pot and the frying pan.
As Jack London describes the Wild, he gives it a distinct identity. It is personified as an enemy of man, an animate figure drawing life out of all other things. In fact, to the Northland Wild, “Life is an offense. . .for life is movement.” In contrast, man revolts against lack of movement, for if there is no movement, there is death. To fight against death, the men are bundled in heavy clothing; still there are frozen crystals on their faces, making them look like “undertakers in a spectral world at the funeral of some ghost.” It is these and other such eerie metaphors that establish the bleak atmosphere in Chapter 1 of White Fang.
It is important to note the lack of noise in this frozen environment. The inevitability and invariability of the silence of the land recalls death itself. The silence forces the men into accepting the enormous power of the natural world that surrounds them; in the process of acceptance, they feel reduced in stature, defenseless in the face of cruel and ruthless Nature. Because Henry and Bill understand the demands of this natural world, they rarely even speak to each other; their unspoken fear prevents them from idle chatter, and they must save their breath for their hard work. Their fear is heightened by the fact that they are running out of food and ammunition. They have not caught a rabbit in days and have only a couple of cartridges left. It is no wonder that they feel threatened when they hear the wolves.
The chapter also shows Henry and Bill to be very different personalities. Henry is the more practical one, who believes in solid evidence; he does not accept Bill’s claim that there are seven dogs and complacently brushes off the information. In contrast to Henry’s more relaxed nature, Bill is a bundle of nerves. He is also much more sensitive to the environment. He feels that something is wrong and grows tense, sleeping fitfully and awakening to the sounds of the wolves’ howls. Because of his uneasiness, the death of their companion, and their depleted supplies, he regrets making the excursion to this cold, lonely place. Henry does not seem to be nearly as concerned.
The chapter ends with a bit of suspense. The men have seem gleaming eyes in the darkness, the dogs are restless, the men are out of ammunition and food, and Bill has been tense and unable to sleep. Additionally, the reader is given no explanation about the death of their companion or the presence of a seventh dog. To make matters more suspenseful, the chapter ends with the news that Fatty, one of their dogs, is missing.

CHAPTER 2SummaryAfter the men finish their breakfast and load their gear onto the sled, they set out in the darkness, as the wolves continue to howl. Daybreak comes at nine in the morning, and the sky warms to a rose color at mid day. The light, however, quickly fades in the afternoon, and it grows dark again, forcing the men to stop. As the wolves’ cries get closer and closer to their camp, the dogs are thrown into a panic. Henry is preparing food when he hears a different cry coming from the dogs. He then notices a strange dog among his own and thinks that perhaps it is a tame wolf. The next morning, Henry wakes up to Bill’s curses. Another dog, Frog, has disappeared. The men eat their breakfast, harness the four dogs to the sled, and leave, pursued by the wolves.
When they stop for the night, Bill ties the dogs in such a manner that they cannot tangle their traces anymore, and he is confident that none of the dogs can get away. Just then, One Ear begins to whine. The men see the “dog-like animal,” the she-wolf, who has been luring the dogs away so that her pack can feed on them. They realize that she is quite tame and must have had some experience with humans. The next morning Spanker is gone. The men later find the stick to which Spanker was tied and conclude that the wolves have killed him.
Bill goes to take a look at the wolves and comes back with the news that they are very thin and desperately hungry. They see the she-wolf approaching them again. She is over two feet tall at the shoulder and five feet long, with a gray wolf coat that has an unusual reddish hue. She is not a bit scared of the men and eyes them hungrily. Bill is tempted to use his gun, but Henry advises him against it, reminding him they have only three cartridges left. Besides, the she-wolf has already disappeared into the woods.
The other wolves are getting bolder as they approach the men, but the remaining dogs manage to hold them off. Bill has lost hope by now and is sure that the wolves will eventually overpower them. When Henry snaps at him, he does not even get a response from Bill. Henry resolves to try to lift his companion’s spirits the next day.
NotesThe dark mood of the novel is further developed in this chapter. Although it is normal daytime, the light lasts for only a few hours. Additionally, whenever the men stop for the night, the cries of the wolves come closer and closer. The men are also slowly losing their dog-team to the wolves. A female wolf comes amongst the dogs and lures them away. Bill believes that the she-wolf is tame, not afraid of humans. Bill states “that animal’s familiarity with campfires is suspicious and immoral.”
The men “amuse” themselves at the sight of the gleaming circle of wolf eyes that surrounds them and draws closer every night. The men believe they are helpless. A couple of shots at these animals would probably have been enough to scare the wolves away, but the men are nearly out of ammunition and cannot spare the shots. They must rely upon the sight of the fire the keep the wolves at bay.
The fact that nothing is left of Spanker, except for the stick to which he was tied, shows how hungry the wolves are, making them very aggressive. They relentless pursue Bill and Henry, which leads Bill to conclude that they are going to end up as prey. Henry’s encouraging remarks do not seem to have any effect on Bill, who is typically preoccupied with his own thoughts.
The she-wolf is shown to be a unique creature in both appearance and character. The unusual red tinge of her coat is quite striking and implies that she is not a pure wolf. Her behavior is also unlike that of the typical wolf, for she is not afraid to draw near the fire or the humans.

CHAPTER 3SummaryThe next day none of the dogs has disappeared, which puts Bill in a better mood. They again set out on their journey, but the sled turns over and is jammed between a tree trunk and a huge rock. When they unharness the dogs to straighten out the tangle, they see One Ear sneaking past them towards the she-wolf, who is playfully luring him into the pack of wolves. Bill prepares his gun, but the wolves are too far away to shoot. Bill sets out after them, fires his last three cartridges, and is overwhelmed by the pack, along with One Ear.
Henry is now left to fend for himself and his remaining two dogs. The wolves, unafraid and unhesitating, pursue him. Fire is the only thing he has to keep them away. He spends sleepless nights, throwing fire brands at the wolves every time they get too close. Henry heaves the coffin up into a tree so that the wolves cannot get to it. He prepares himself for longer days, but he lives with paranoia, constantly fearing an attack from the wolves. The she-wolf continues to be the boldest of all, getting very close to Henry. In fact, she comes so close that he singes her fur, much to his satisfaction.
The chances for his survival seem remote to Henry. He has resigned himself to the terrifying situation. When the wolves attack, trying to eat him alive, he successfully fights them off with burning coals. In exhaustion, he finally dozes. When he wakes up, he learns that his two remaining dogs have been devoured by the wolves. However, the wolves are gone and he is surrounded by about a dozen men. By a miracle, Henry has survived his Northland Wild ordeal.
NotesThis is one of the most terrifying chapters in the book, as Bill finally falls prey to the pack of hungry wolves. One Ear cannot resist the she-wolf, who lures him away from the safety of his human companions and towards the pack. Bill’s attempt to save the dog proves futile, for he foolishly fires the last three cartridges and is still surrounded by the wolves and devoured. London is clearly developing his theme that only the fittest survive in this brutal environment.
When Henry realizes that Bill is dead, he takes precautions to protect his own life. Only fire can now save him from the wolves, who have surrounded him. The animals sleep in front of his fire, yawn, and stretch audaciously. Of course, Bill cannot sleep, for he must constantly throw firebrands at them to keep them at bay.
In the midst of all this personal danger, Henry’s gesture of protecting the coffin and the body of Lord Alfred from the wolves is touching. It shows his respect for the dead. Henry also observes his own body. He is quite fascinated by its adaptability, and he cannot get over the fact that it would be nothing but meat to a pack of ravenous wolves.
Even daylight does not seem to deter the wolves, who are closing in on Henry. He is trying to beat them by racing to reach his destination, Fort McGurry. He is slowed, however, for his team has dwindled to two dogs and his lack of sleep seems to be taking its toll on him. He dreams he is in Fort McGurry, enjoying happier times. The wolves then attack. With snarls and yelps they actually begin to eat him alive. Henry’s presence of mind saves him once again as he throws burning coals at these carnivores. His determination in the struggle to survive is remarkable. It is not until the last minute that he loses hope.
Henry, in the end of the chapter, survives his ordeal because of luck. A group of men comes upon his campsite and rescues him. He tells them his story in a few choice words and then does what he has not done for a long time -- sleeps.

PART IICHAPTER 1SummaryThis chapter concentrates on the activities of the wolf pack, and the story is told from the perspective of the she-wolf. She is the leader of the pack along with a large gray wolf, a three year-old, and an old, one-eyed wolf seeking to assist her. Her three companions are her suitors, each trying his best to gain her favor. The weaker members of the pack, the very old and the very young, are led by the stronger members. Even though all the wolves are extremely thin, their energy seems inexhaustible. They cover a number of miles each day, traveling in light and dark. They hunt and kill a moose, whose eight hundred pounds of flesh feed the pack of forty wolves.
The pack grows smaller and crosses into the lake country to the east, still led by the she-wolf. She constantly bites at her three male companions, who patiently tolerate her behavior. Finally, however, a fight breaks out among the three males, and the three-year-old is killed by the large gray wolf and the one-eyed wolf. The she-wolf is proud of inspiring this battle. Later, the gray wolf is also killed, and the one-eyed wolf is received kindly by the she-wolf. They mate, and the she-wolf begins to look for a safe place for her litter. They travel together across the country and down to the Mackenzie River, where they meet other wolves who want to join the pack. The one-eyed wolf will not permit newcomers.
At one point the wolves encounter a group of Indians. The she-wolf is familiar with humans and is tempted to return to them, but she heads back to the woods. Next, they encounter a snow rabbit tied to a tree, and the one-eyed wolf is surprised at its speed. He is not able to catch it since it springs with the movement of the plant that holds it. The she-wolf is familiar with the Indians’ hunting snares, and carefully gnaws off the head of the rabbit without being ensnared.NotesThe chapter, told from the point-of-view of the she-wolf, focuses on animal life in the Wild. She is the leader of the pack and has three males as her “assistants”. All three males have distinct personalities. One is the gray wolf, who snarls at the younger members when they try to pass him; but he is gentle and patient with the she-wolf. Another companion is the old wolf, who is always on the she-wolf’s right side, since only his left eye is intact. When he first tries to mate with the she-wolf, she discourages him. The third assistant is the ambitious, three year-old wolf, who is stronger than the other members of the pack. He, however, is defeated and killed by when the other two assistants join forces and attack him.
The she-wolf and her pack are always in search of food, constantly starving in this frozen environment where there is little life to prey upon. When they encounter a moose, they quickly attack and devour its flesh; the eight hundred pounds does not satisfy the hunger of the forty wolves, and the wolves move on. It is the she-wolf who first locates Bill and Henry, hearing their voices and the whining of their dogs.
The she-wolf is shown to have had experience with human beings, for she is not afraid of fire or of being close to the men. In fact, she is drawn to the Indians, with whom she once lived. By contrast, the one-eyed wolf is a typical wild animal, afraid of humans. The scene in which the one-eyed wolf tries to capture the rabbit is vividly described. The she-wolf, wise and experienced, understands the trap set by the Indians and eats only the rabbit’s head, avoiding the hidden snare.
This entire chapter shows that Jack London possesses considerable knowledge of the activities of wolves, their behavior, and their responses. The fights, the attempts to woo the she-wolf, her searching for a safe place to have her cubs, and the details of pack psychology all add to the authenticity of the story.

CHAPTER 2SummaryThe she-wolf and One Eye hang about the Indian camp for two days until a bullet is fired into the forest and they are forced to leave. She finally finds a good place to have her cubs. It is a small cave above a stream that flows into the Mackenzie in the summer; the stream is now frozen. The she-wolf settles into the cave while One Eye keeps watch at the entrance. Hungry, he goes hunting and stays out for eight hours without any success. He returns to find a litter of cubs, which the she-wolf is carefully guarding, for fear that One Eye will devour them. One Eye, instead, feels a strong paternal instinct. He goes hunting again and catches a ptarmigan (grouse); he does not eat it, but saves it for his family. Then he comes across a porcupine that has been injured by a lynx. He eats the ptarmigan and carries the porcupine “home” to a warm reception by the she-wolf.
NotesThis chapter contains an interesting description of how the she-wolf and One Eye start a family and dutifully play their respective roles of mother and father. The she-wolf finds the right place to have her cubs, inspecting both the inside and outside of the cave thoroughly before settling in. One Eye guards the entrance. He also goes in search of food for himself and his family. One Eye’s hunting escapades, his explorations throughout the new locale, and his experiences with the porcupine and lynx are all vividly portrayed; each helps the development of his character as a concerned father and as a typical wolf. The introduction of the female lynx is also important, for she later plays a role in the lives of the she-wolf and White Fang.
The she-wolf’s fears that the starving One Eye will eat her cubs are unfounded since he seems to be playing the role of father to perfection. Although ravenous himself, he does not eat his first prey, the grouse, until he has found something else, the porcupine, to take home to feed his family.

PART IICHAPTER 3SummaryAptly titled “The Gray Cub,” the chapter is devoted to describing one of the litter of five, comprised of two females and three males. The gray, male cub is the most striking of the new wolves. His coat is gray, like that of a true wolf, whereas his siblings have inherited their mother’s red hue. This cub is also a smart creature, more inquisitive than the others. All five want to explore the “wall” of light, towards which they crawl, only to be pushed back by their mother. The gray cub soon learns to distinguish between nudges that are rebukes and crushing paws that serve to hurt. He also learns how to inflict hurt and how to avoid being hurt. During his ‘cubhood,’ he watches his parents take careful care of him. He also watches as all his siblings are lost to starvation. When his father stops visiting them, the she-wolf knows he has been killed by the lynx in a fight. In turn, she carefully avoids the territory where the lynx is taking care of her litter of kittens, for the she-wolf is powerless to fight her and win by herself.
NotesAlthough unstated, the reader realizes that the gray cub is to grow and become White Fang, the central character and protagonist of the story. Since his coat is totally gray like One Eye's and since his basic nature is aggressive, he definitely stands apart from the other four cubs. His parents sense that he is born to be a leader and nurture him over the other four cubs, who eventually starve to death.
The thoroughness of the description is quite striking, as the author explores the mind-set of the gray cub, his inquisitive nature, his way of learning, his intelligence, and his reaction to losing his siblings and his father. On his way to exploring the entrance to the cave, the cub learns a few things from his mother. Her sharp nudges are meant to hurt him, and so he quickly learns to avoid hurt by not taking such risks. He is the also the first to learn how to overpower the other cubs. Moreover, his growl is the most impressive of them all. London makes this gray cub so special that he says the cub is capable of forming conclusions as sharp and distinctive as men’s. But the cub accepts things without questioning, for “logic and physics were not a part of his mental make-up.”

CHAPTER 4SummaryThe She-wolf now leaves her cub alone more often to go on her hunting expeditions. It has been impressed upon him that he should not set foot outside the cave. Since instinct is developing in him, he accepts fear as one of the restrictions of life, and he does not go near the mouth of the cave. Once he hears a strange sniffing at the cave, which comes from a wolverine. His mother arrives in time to protect him.
One day the cub goes out into the open, rolls down the slope, is dazzled by the light, and starts crying like any frightened puppy. When he finally gains a foothold, he goes on to explore the grassy area that surrounds him. He is frightened by a squirrel and a woodpecker. He comes across a ptarmigan nest, eats the babies (all seventy of them), and dares to fight the mother ptarmigan, injuring her. A hawk interrupts the battle, which the ptarmigan seemed to be winning, and kills the bird. The cub then falls into a river. He struggles towards land, swimming for the first time, but is carried downstream where he is safely deposited. He also comes across a weasel with whom he starts a fight. He would have been killed by the mother weasel had it not been for the timely intervention of his own mother. When she kills the weasel, they eat it together.
NotesThe cub is maturing quickly and learning valuable lessons about life. He quickly realizes that obedience to laws is a method of avoiding hurt. Most importantly, he learns about fear. The cub classifies objects into the ones that he should fear, because they hurt, and the ones that do not cause fear. Although instinct and law demand obedience from the cub, his “growth demanded disobedience.” As a result, the cub sets out on his own to explore the world beyond the cave. The unknown, the dazzling light, the “wall,” and the sheer extent of space all terrify him, but he accepts the challenge. His experiences do not discourage him but motivate him to explore further. The squirrel and the woodpecker are the first live creatures he encounters, and he forms the conclusion that animate objects are more likely to do harm than inanimate objects. He also gets his first taste of live meat, which is very exciting to him. He learns, however, that lives things can fight. Fortunately, the hawk saves him from being destroyed by the mother ptarmigan.
On his very first days outside, his experiences, as he fights with other animals and hunts for food, foreshadow that he will have many adventures and overcome many obstacles in his life. Luck will also play a big part, as he is saved from the wolverine by his mother and from the ptarmigan by the hawk. Although swept away by the river, the cub is ultimately saved again by fate, for the river deposits him safely on land. Then his mother intervenes to save him from the weasel. It is as if the gray cub is destined for greater things, and his encounters make him stronger and more resilient to face what lies ahead.

CHAPTER 5SummaryAfter his adventure, the cub rests for two days before setting out again. This time he encounters the baby weasel and devours it with relish. He also finds his way back to the cave easily when he is tired. In sharpening his own skills, he tries to follow the example of his mother. However, as he grows older, the she-wolf grows impatient with him.
Since food is short, the cub now goes hunting in deadly earnest, not just for the joy of it. Failure encourages him further, and he carefully hunts for squirrels, woodmice, and birds. He even challenges the hawk. The she-wolf eventually brings him the meat of a lynx cub. She herself has devoured the rest of the litter. She is later challenged to a fight by the mother lynx, and the cub participates. After a long fight, the lynx is finally killed and eaten by mother and son. Although the cub is hurt by the lynx, he is rather proud of his feat. He is also proud to accompany his mother on the hunt, where he learns the principle of “eat or be eaten,” the basic law of the survival of the fittest.
NotesThe cub’s terrifying experiences do not discourage him. He always bounces back and explores a wider territory without becoming lost. He is capable of assessing his strengths and weaknesses and exercises caution when required. The author refers to him as a little demon of fury when he comes upon a stray ptarmigan. His first experiences with squirrels, woodpeckers and woodmice have taught him to be more aggressive with such creatures.
The cub feels a growing respect for his mother, the she-wolf. Her fearlessness and powerful nature demand obedience from him. When he does not please her, she loses her temper with him. When food again becomes a problem, the cub goes out to hunt for food in earnest. He even foolishly challenges a hawk. Each adventure, however, teaches him something and brings new self-confidence.
On seeing his mother and the lynx fight, the cub intervenes and sinks his teeth into the hind leg of the lynx, helping to save his mother, who is already wounded. Although he too is injured and whimpers, he returns to the fight until the lynx is dead. It is this episode, his first actual fight, that gains him his mother’s confidence; afterwards, he is allowed to accompany his mother on the hunt, where he begins to understand the law of the survival of the fittest. It is obvious that this cub is meant to lead, to fight, and to survive all ordeals.

PART IIICHAPTER 1SummaryThis chapter deals with the cub’s first encounter with humans. The cub runs down to the stream to drink, and there he notices five creatures he has never seen before. His first instinct is that of fear, yet he does not run away. One of the men approaches the cub and reaches down to seize him, but the cub bites him, for which he receives a blow to his head, causing the cub to cry. When he receives another blow, the she-wolf comes running. One of the Indians calls the she-wolf “Kiche,” and she submits immediately, much to the cub’s dismay. Kiche is the offspring of a wolf father and a dog mother, who was owned by Gray Beaver’s brother. Kiche ran away from the Indians during the famine a year ago, and since then, she has been with the wolves.
Salmon Tongue, Three Eagles, and Gray Beaver decide to take White Fang and Kiche to their camp. Meanwhile, the rest of their clan arrives with their dogs, who do not accept White Fang. Kiche is kept tied, but White Fang is allowed to roam. As he explores the place, he comes across Lip-lip, another puppy, who becomes an instant and constant enemy. When the two pups fight, White Fang is injured and retreats to Kiche, who licks his wounds. When he goes back to exploring, he approaches Gray Beaver, who is making a fire. White Fang burns his nose and tongue when he goes to smell the flames. He yelps pathetically, which causes laughter in the camp. White Fang is ashamed and goes back to his mother’s side.
NotesThis chapter shows a turning point in the cub’s life, for he and his mother are captured by humans and brought to live among them. The Indians have recognized the she-wolf as Kiche, a half wolf/dog that has lived with them before running away.
White Fang’s initial reaction to seeing the humans by the river is fear. When he attempts to defend himself from the Indians, he is rewarded by blows. He can do nothing but yelp in pain. On seeing his mother arrive, he is overjoyed, for he believes she will deal cruelly with these creatures. He is shocked to find her submitting to them instead of avenging his hurt. Her submissiveness only serves to reinforce his fear of and respect for human. White Fang, however, finds it pleasant when Salmon Tongue rubs his hand back and forth over his fur.
When White Fang is taken to the Indian camp, he meets his nemesis, who will be his enemy for life. The problem is a pup named Lip-lip, who constantly fights with White Fang; in fact, Lip-lip is largely responsible for turning White Fang into a great and aggressive fighter. After his first fight with Lip-lip, White Fang runs to his mother crying, which shows he still has much to learn. As long as he remains at Kiche’s side, he will not fully mature.
Since he is a cub, White Fang is allowed to roam the Indian camp and to explore things. Finally overcoming his fear of the big teepees, he tugs at the canvas playfully. Out of curiosity, he ventures too close to the fire and burns his nose and tongue. When the Indians laugh at him, he feels ashamed. From this point on, White Fang is wary of man’s laughter.
Although White Fang tries to adjust to his new life in the Indian camp, he finds it difficult to adapt to this crowded community and misses the valley and the stream.

CHAPTER 2SummaryWhite Fang has completely given himself up to the mercy of the “man-animals,” his gods. He learns the nature of the Indians and their sense of justice and power. He learns to avoid the mothers of half-grown puppies, due to a few bad experiences with them. He still fights with Lip-lip and is defeated every time. Once, he lures Lip-lip towards Kiche, who, although tied, leaps upon him and injures him badly. White Fang, too, sinks his teeth into Lip-lip’s hind leg.
Kiche is released by Gray Beaver. Mother and son are now together, much to Lip-lip’s disappointment. White Fang tries to entice his mother into the woods but fails, for Kiche is comfortable in the camp. White Fang inevitably follows her there. However, Kiche is soon sent away with another Indian, Three Eagles, as payment for a debt that Gray Beaver owes him. A strip of scarlet cloth, a bearskin, twenty cartridges, and Kiche will go with Three Eagles up the Mackenzie River to the Great Slave Lake. White Fang follows Kiche into the water and heads after the canoe, but a blow from Three Eagles forces him back. Ignoring Gray Beaver’s calls, he continues to swim behind the canoe. Gray Beaver pursues White Fang in a canoe, overtakes him, lifts him by the nape of his neck, and beats him. White Fang bites back, only to be beaten harder. He learns an important lesson; never bite a human. Ashore, he is bitten by Lip-lip, who is beaten by Gray Beaver. White Fang limps behind Gray Beaver to the Indian village, where he must learn to adjust a life without his mother. As time passes, he still yearns for Kiche, but he grows comfortable in camp.
NotesWhite Fang is more and more intimidated by his superiors, the ones he calls “gods." He finally surrenders to them totally, just as his mother did, largely out of fear of their sticks, stones and whips. Although he still misses the Wild, White Fang learns that men are just, children can be cruel, and women are the most likely to throw a piece of meat.
White Fang also learns about other animals. He fights with Lip-lip and is always defeated. Although he never gives up or is subdued, the fights leave an indelible impression on him, making him morose and malicious. He spends his time devising ingenious ways to harm his arch-enemy; he even turns into a clever thief, stealing Lip-lip’s share of food. White Fang gets his first taste of revenge when he leads Lip-lip into Kiche’s territory, where his mother ferociously attacks the enemy.
White Fang is devoted to his mother. He tries to call her away from the Indians, into the Wild, but Kiche is not interested. She responds to the call of the camp and always returns there with White Fang following. When Kiche is given to Three Eagles to pay a debt, it is pathetic to see White Fang following his mother as she is being taken away. He faithfully swims after the canoe that carries Kiche. The beatings he receives from Three Eagles and Gray Beaver are something he will never forget; but they teach him the lesson of obedience. Slowly, White Fang becomes reconciled to camp life. He is comfortable with the Indians and enjoys learning new things, but he still yearns for his mother.
The author focuses on how the Indians raise their animals. They never spare the rod, believing it is the only way to keep their animals in check. The method clearly works on White Fang, for he learns not to bite or defy the master. He also learns that his master is just and will take care of him if he obeys. White Fang values any attention paid to him by Gray Beaver, and a piece of meat thrown to him by his “god” is worth a dozen pieces thrown by the squaw.

CHAPTER 3SummaryWhite Fang’s fights with Lip-lip continue to rage as furiously as ever. He makes a reputation for himself as being the most wicked dog in camp. He can also snarl more terribly than any other dog, a skill he uses to his advantage. Both humans and animals hate him. He is always mixed up in squabbles over stolen meat. He is also totally on his own, for no dog ever backs him. White Fang, however, never hesitates to leave his teeth marks on any of the other dogs. In fact, he learns to fight very effectively and efficiently, even when he is outnumbered. He also learns to attack without warning, catching his enemy off guard. One day he kills one of the camp dogs on the edge of the woods. Gray Beaver refuses to listen to the protests of Indians over the killing. White Fang is his dog.
Because of White Fang’s ferocity, no dog is left alone, for fear of his attacks. His favorite trick is to lose his trail in the water, hide from his enemy, and attack in a surprising manner. Although the strength of the pack lies in its size, White Fang manages to gain the upper hand. The dogs know that he can kill the leader of a pack before the other dogs arrive. By this point he has learned to obey the strong and oppress the weak.
NotesWhite Fang’s constant fights with Lip-lip and the rest of the pack gain him a reputation for being fierce. In fact, he becomes an expert fighter, learning the intricacies of battle through experience. He quickly learns never to let himself be caught in a helpless situation. In addition, he learns to attack the throat, the most vulnerable spot of a dog. Because of his ferocity and his instinct, neither the camp members nor the dogs like him. When White Fang kills another camp dog, the Indians protest, but Gray Beaver defends him.
White Fang soon lives by his survival instinct, the law of the Wild; to survive, a dog must embrace violence and aggression as a way of life, which help him to survive in a cruel world. It is interesting that White Fang’s first experience with man and his domesticated animals should so strongly cultivate his natural killer instincts. It is a clear comment on London’s part about man’s cruelty.

PART IIICHAPTER 4SummaryWith the arrival of autumn, the days grow shorter, and it is getting colder. When the camp members prepare to leave for another place, White Fang escapes into the forest. He enjoys the freedom of the wild for a while, but soon finds himself lonely and scared and longing for the comfort of the camp. In truth, he has lost the knack of hunting and is even scared by a tree’s shadow. Afraid and desperate, he returns to the camp but finds the Indians have gone. He wails loudly with apprehension.
The next morning, White Fang plunges into the forest and follows the stream down to the riverbank. Following the river’s course, White Fang runs for thirty hours. He finally arrives hungry and tired at the new Indian camp. White Fang joins them around the fire, gets his share of meat, and eats it contentedly.
NotesWhite Fang’s desire to retreat into the wild finally materializes into an opportunity as the camp members get ready to leave. He slinks away and hides, ignoring the calls from his “gods.” For awhile, he enjoys his freedom, but when it gets dark, he feels lonely and afraid. He is even startled by the shadows thrown by trees in the moonlight. He also has lost his hunting instinct. As a result, he runs back to camp to the protection of Gray Beaver and his family, Kloo-kooch and Mit-sah.
White Fang would have gladly taken a beating from Gray Beaver or welcomed a fight with Lip-lip and the gang. Instead, he finds the camp empty. In apprehension, he lets out a long, piercing howl. He then gathers his courage and sets off to find the Indians. He runs for thirty hours before catching up to them. When he arrives at the new camp, he is starving and exhausted; his coat is a mess, and both of his feet are bruised and bleeding. Gray Beaver takes pity on him and does not punish him for leaving. Instead, he is given food and attention. In fact, Gray Beaver even protects him from the other dogs as he eats. White Fang feels secure again.

CHAPTER 5SummaryIn this chapter, White Fang is being trained as a sled-dog. Gray Beaver, Kloo-kooch, and Mit-sah go on a journey up the Mackenzie River. Gray Beaver drives a sled drawn by dogs that he has traded or borrowed. Mit-sah, who is learning to drive and train the dogs, drives a smaller sled drawn by puppies. The sled carries nearly two hundred pounds of gear and food. White Fang has a moss-stuffed collar put around his neck; it is connected by two pulling traces to a scarp that passes around his neck and over his back. A long rope, by which he pulls the sled, is fastened to this.
There are seven puppies in the team, some nine and ten months old; White Fang is eight months old. The sled that he pulls is one that does not move over the snow easily, helping to distribute the weight. Also, the ropes of varying lengths prevent the dogs from actually attacking the dogs in front of them. Lip-lip is at the end of the longest rope, leading the team, a fact that enrages the other puppies behind him, making them chase him and increasing the overall speed. What further enrages the other dogs is that Mit-sah favors Lip-lip over them.
White Fang does well as a sled dog even though he still fights with the other puppies when he can. Usually, however, he is too busy working. His team pulls the sled for months until they reach a village at the Great Slave Lake. There, White Fang eats some chips of frozen moose meat that a village boy has been chopping. The boy tries to beat White Fang, who in turn bites him. The boy’s family is angry, but Gray Beaver defends him. The village boys come after Mit-sah, but they are also bitten by White Fang. It is obvious that he has learned to guard property, protect his master, and attack thieving strangers.
NotesWhite Fang has become a domesticated creature, harnessed to a sled with the other dogs. The wise Indians put Lip-lip, who is hated by the other dogs, as the leader of the team, for the other dogs will chase him and make the sled go more rapidly. Mit-sah aggravates the hatred by favoring Lip-lip and feeding him extra food in the presence of other dogs. The Indians know that the more the team hates Lip-lip, the faster they will pull. Jack London calls such action “cunning indirection,” through which man increases his mastery over the beasts.
White Fang performs well as a sled dog. He works hard, learns discipline, and is obedient; “faithfulness and willingness characterized his toil.” When not working, he still wants to be left alone, and the animosity and hostility still exist between him and the others. When a fight flares up, White Fang is able to quickly subdue the other dogs.
White Fang’s attitude towards life is quite pessimistic. He sees the world as cruel and merciless, with brutality the order of the day. He is suspicious of any man’s hand, which he believes is raised to beat him. He also cannot tolerate children, who needlessly hurl sticks and stones at him. When he is unjustly beaten for eating the chips of moose meat, White Fang snaps at the child. Fortunately, Gray Beaver defends him against the angry parents. White Fang now understands when to defend others and when to stand up for himself. Knowing he will be rewarded, he saves Mit-sah from the rest of the village boys who come to attack. As a result of his action, he is given the responsibility of guarding his god’s property and attacking thieves. White does his duty out of fear, not out of love, which he has never experienced.

CHAPTER 6SummarySpring arrives, and Gray Beaver finishes the journey. White Fang is one year old, and next to Lip-lip, he is the largest yearling. He continues to have his battles with other dogs. When he fights with Baseek over a piece of shinbone, White Fang rips Baseek’s right ear and wounds him on the shoulder. Baseek, old and weak, gives up. In mid-summer, White Fang encounters Kiche, who has now forgotten him and has had a new litter. She hovers protectively around her litter, trying to drive White Fang away.
When White Fang is three years old, there is a great famine in the land. Only the strong will survive, for the Indians eat the weaker dogs. The Indians also eat the soft-tanned leather of their moccasins and mittens to fill their stomachs. White Fang escapes into the forest to hunt on his own, at times robbing rabbit snares and at times capturing small game, like squirrels and woodmice. At the end of the famine, White Fang meets Lip-lip, with whom he fights until Lip-lip is killed. He then returns to the village and is received warmly and given plenty of fish.
NotesNow a year old, White Fang is fully-grown. Looking like a wolf, his stature and strength are impressive, commanding respect from the other dogs. The older dogs accept him as an equal, and his peers avoid him and give him space. White Fang no longer has to fear the other dogs, even the older ones. In fact, White Fang fights and kills Baseek, attacking him by surprise. It is another example of the survival of the fittest. Baseek, now older and weaker, does not compare to White Fang in strength.
When he comes across Kiche, she snarls at White Fang even though he is overjoyed to see her. She does not appear to remember him and has a new set of puppies to take care of. White Fang is totally puzzled when she attacks him, but he does not retaliate, following an instinct that tells him not to attack a female of his own species.
One thing that White Fang cannot tolerate is being laughed at or ridiculed. It drives him into a rage, and he sometimes releases his fury on the other dogs. Here, as in other places, London attributes a human quality to White Fang.

Back in the woods during the famine, White Fang’s survival instinct again comes to the fore as he hunts for food. When he encounters Lip-lip, he does not hesitate to kill him. He proves he has grown stronger, more powerful, and more independent. His dependence on the Indians, however, is still undeniable, and he returns to camp after the famine is over.

PART IV
CHAPTER 1SummaryWhite Fang is now the leader of the team, positioned at the longest end of the rope. He is not allowed to stop without orders. If he does so, the other dogs are permitted to attack him. The other dogs are jealous of his position and rage against White Fang, even when they are free; as expected, Mit-sah predictably bestows meat on White Fang in front of the others, making matters worse. The other dogs always band together because they fear that White Fang will attack them if they are alone. The wolf hates the other dogs equally.
When White Fang is nearly five years old, Gray Beaver takes him on another journey along the Mackenzie, across the Rockies, and down the Porcupine to the Yukon. White Fang attacks the dogs in these places, too. His advantage as an attacker lies in the fact that he can judge time and distance correctly. White Fang’s sled crosses the water-shed between the Mackenzie River and the Yukon in the late winter, and the spring is spent hunting in the Rockies. He later paddles down the stream to its junction with the Yukon under the Arctic Circle. Here stands the Old Hudson’s Bay Company Fort. It is the summer of 1898, and the gold seekers are going up the Yukon to Dawson and Klondike. Gray Beaver profits tremendously through his trade of fur, gut-sewn mittens, and moccasins.
At Fort Yukon, White Fang encounters his first white man. He is suspicious of their dogs, and fights them regularly. He realizes, however, that when he kills the dogs, the gods get angry at this. He cleverly launches a fatal attack on a dog and leaves it behind for the dogs to rip him apart. Upon seeing this, one man fires six shots and kills six dogs in the ‘pack.’ White Fang walks freely away.
NotesWhen White Fang is made the leader of the team, the dogs hate him more than ever. They resent that he is a creature from the wild and are jealous over the extra meat he receives. Worst of all, White Fang cannot stand running before the pack of yelling dogs, whom he has taken three years to dominate. He quickly learns, however, that he cannot stop unless ordered to do so, for the others dogs in the team will have enough slack to attack him.
White Fang survives adverse circumstances effortlessly. His superiority over the other dogs is unquestionable. He is always a step ahead of the rest of them. His cunning is likewise undisputed, as he slashes a dog’s throat but lets the other dogs mangle it. While six dogs are killed for the attack, the guilty White Fang escapes punishment.
A mention is made here of the gold rush, which contributes to the book’s historical setting. Thousands of gold hunters are bustling in the Klondike while searching for gold; Gray Beaver trades his furs with them for an enormous profit. The men in the gold rush are the first white men that White Fang has ever seen. It is interesting that he automatically assumes that the white gods are more powerful than the Indians. At first, White Fang is suspicious of them at first and never lets them touch him; later he decides they are harmless, but he still hates and fights their dogs.
The author comments in this chapter that White Fang’s nature could not have been what it is had it not been for Lip-lip’s aggression towards him. Additionally, Gray Beaver’s cruel treatment of him has played a major role. The constant beatings have made him hard and cruel, capable of handling any situation.

CHAPTER 2SummaryA small number of white men, who call themselves Sour-doughs, live in Fort Yukon. They make their bread with sourdough starter, instead of baking powder or yeast. These men enjoy the sight of the newcomers’ dogs being mangled to death by White Fang and the other dogs. One man in particular, Beauty Smith, enjoys the fighting. He works for the people at the fort and has his eye on White Fang. He offers to buy White Fang from Gray Beaver, who is at first not willing. Beauty Smith then tempts Gray Beaver with liquor until he is addicted. Gray Beaver is then willing to sell White Fang for a few bottles of whiskey.
Gray Beaver hands White Fang over to Beauty, but he escapes three times from captivity and returns to Gray Beaver, only to be betrayed and returned each time. Upon his return, he is beaten by Beauty for his disobedience. Finally, Gray Beaver, sober and bankrupt, leaves for the Mackenzie River, and White Fang cannot follow since he is tied with a chain. After one especially severe beating from Beauty, White Fang falls sick.
NotesThe Sour-doughs take a sick pleasure in seeing the dogs fight to the death. One of the men, Beauty Smith, squeals with delight and leaps in the air with excitement whenever a dog goes down shrieking its death cry. He is totally disgusting, the exact opposite of his name. His evil mind leads him to procure White Fang through treachery. He gets Gray Beaver addicted to alcohol and buys White Fang for the price of a few bottles of whiskey.
Constantly drunk, Gray Beaver loses all that he has earned from his fur trading. He does not even interfere when Beauty Smith beats White Fang. White Fang’s loyalty and faithfulness, however, cause him to escape from Beauty and return to Gray Beaver on three occasions. Fearing Beauty, Gray Beaver always returns White Fang to his new owner, who beats him for his disobedience. It is a pathetic situation from which White Fang can no longer escape, since he is tied with chain. Even when Gray Beaver finally leaves for home, White Fang is powerless to follow him.

PART IVCHAPTER 3SummaryWhite Fang is kept chained in a pen at the rear of the Fort, where Beauty provokes him and laughs at him, hoping to make White Fang even meaner. He is often removed from the pen and made to fight other dogs, including mastiffs, wolves, and huskies. White Fang invariably wins, no matter what kind of dog he faces. Sometimes he has to fight three dogs at once or a freshly caught wolf from the Wild. White Fang’s constant victories make him a public figure. He is known as “the Fighting wolf,” and he is on exhibit in his cage all the time.
Beauty Smith begins to make money at White Fang’s expense. Whenever a fight is arranged, bets are taken. To make certain that White Fang wins, Beauty trains him in the wild. He releases him a few miles from town, usually at night to avoid police interference, and he must fight for survival. Back in captivity, White Fang is forced to fight wolves that have been trapped by Indians, for he has defeated all the available dogs. One time he fights a full-grown female lynx and defeats her.
NotesWhite Fang is kept chained in a pen, and Beauty Smith torments him and laughs at him to make him even more aggressive. More ferocious than ever, White Fang begins to hate every living thing, especially Beauty Smith. He bites, snaps, and snarls constantly at his owner.
During the staged dogfights, White Fang releases his frustrations. No other animal, including wild wolves and lynx, can stand up against his hatred. He defeats everything he fights, even when Beauty pits him against three dogs at once. His upbringing in the wild and his fights with Lip-lip have trained him well. His reputation as “the Fighting Wolf” makes White Fang’s life miserable. He is constantly on public view and being prepared for another battle by Beauty Smith, who profits greatly from this great wolf-dog.

CHAPTER 4SummaryThe chapter paints in great detail the fight between Cherokee, a bulldog owned by Tim Keenan, and White Fang. Neither is accustomed to fighting the type of dog he now faces, but both are good fighters. The crowd is with Cherokee, and White Fang does give in a couple of times, only to be enraged by Smith, who laughs and points at him. During the battle, White Fang is very badly mauled. Weedon Scott, a well-respected mining expert, enters the ring and tries to save White Fang. Threatening to turn Smith in to the authorities, Scott buys White Fang for three hundred dollars. Scott’s assistant, Matt, helps him to separate the two dogs. Scott wrenches the jaws of the bull dog open with a revolver while Matt lifts White Fang out of the ring.
NotesAptly titled ‘The Clinging Death,’ this chapter vividly and extensively describes the fight between Cherokee and White Fang. Both dogs are ferocious fighters, biting and ripping each other ruthlessly. As the crowd cheers Cherokee, White Fang desperately tries to get a good grip on him; but White Fang has finally met his match. He finds himself on the ground with Cherokee gripping his throat. Death seems certain.
The timely intervention of Weedon Scott saves White Fang. He convinces Beauty to sell his wolf-dog for three hundred dollars by threatening to call the authorities on him. White Fang’s new owner rescues him by prying open Cherokee’s jaws with a revolver and having his assistant, Matt, lift the badly injured White Fang from the ring.
A touch of optimism enters the plot, as the reader sees a humane master adopting White Fang; but White Fang will not be easy to tame. Both man and beast have a challenge in front of them.

PART IVCHAPTER 5SummaryScott, White Fang’s new owner, and Matt, the dog-musher, repeatedly try to gain the trust of the wolf-dog, who constantly snarls at them and bristles at the end of his stretched chain. Scott reluctantly considers killing the ferocious White Fang, but Matt wants to give him a chance. He correctly guesses that White Fang has been a sled dog and suggests that he could again be used in a dog team.
After two weeks White Fang is still as wild as ever, so Matt sets him free. Scott then throws him a piece of meat, which is grabbed by Major, one of Scott’s other dogs. White Fang fatally wounds Major and bites Matt, who has tried to kick him. Scott tries to subdue the wolf-dog but is likewise bitten. Finally, Matt gets a gun to shoot White Fang. Just as he raises it to his shoulder, White Fang jumps out of the way to the side of the cabin. The men decide against killing White Fang.
NotesIt is a major ordeal for Scott and Matt to gain White Fang’s trust after his recent experiences with humans. Beauty Smith has destroyed the wolf-dog’s faith in the concept of man as his master. Scott is ready to give up on White Fang, but Matt encourages him to try once more, since White Fang has endured such unusually harsh experiences.
White Fang is completely suspicious when he is let loose. Because of his recent past, his instinct tells him there is impending danger; therefore, he is always alert and ready to attack. When Major, one of Scott’s dogs, grabs a piece of meat intended for White Fang, he kills Major and bites Matt. Rather than being angry, Matt is rather proud of White Fang’s aggression because he does not trust a dog who will not fight for his share of meat.
Although Scott talks kindly and soothingly to White Fang, he is also bitten. Now Matt has had enough and gets his rifle to shoot him; but White Fang’s response, jumping out of the way and hiding behind the cabin, shows his intelligence. Both men agree that they ought to give White Fang another chance to develop further.

CHAPTER 6SummaryAlthough Scott repeatedly tries to gain White Fang’s confidence by speaking kind words and patting him gently, White Fang remains wary of him. Gradually, White Fang begins to accept Scott’s spoken affection, but he still refuses to be touched or fed by the man. To build trust, Scott throws the pieces of meat, one by one, each landing closer. Cautiously, White Fang retrieves each piece until he is willing to eat from Scott’s hand. Matt is highly surprised at the sight of Scott petting the wolf-dog, whose usual response is to snarl and leap backwards. As Scott continues to pet him, White Fang begins to enjoy the affection. He begins to protect Scott, guarding his property and leaping on any nighttime visitors. Soon White Fang learns to distinguish between footsteps so that he can tell the difference between thieves and honest men.
White Fang easily proves his superiority to Scott’s other dogs, who accept his leadership. He willingly returns to the dog team and becomes the leader of the Klondike sled runners, where he works in single file, on double traces.
In late spring, Scott is called away, and White Fang refuses to eat, drink, or sleep. He becomes weak and lets the other dogs harass him. Matt writes Scott a letter informing him of White Fang’s condition. As a result, Scott returns, and White Fang regains his health.
One night as Matt and Scott are busy playing cribbage, White Fang nabs Beauty Smith in the dark. Apparently, the despicable man has come to steal White Fang, for he has a club and a steel chain with him.
NotesThis chapter brings the climax of the story as White Fang undergoes a major transformation. It takes time and much effort on the part of Scott to gain the dog’s trust, but his patience finally pays off. At last, White Fang is no longer afraid of being punished or hit. One day Matt walks in to find White Fang allowing Scott to pet him, proving that the wolf-dog has responded to human affection and has become gentle.
White Fang has never before known affection, which Scott gives freely. In return, White Fang is absolutely devoted to the man, his new god. He willingly sacrifices comfort for pain in order to gain the approval of his master. In the early morning, instead of roaming in the wild, he waits patiently at the cabin for the sight of Scott; he also is willing to forego meat in order to be with his master. When Scott goes away for awhile, White Fang refuses to eat or drink until his master returns. It is through these small gestures that White Fang tries to express his love.
One night Beauty Smith comes back to steal White Fang, with club and chain in hand. All of the wolf-dog’s hatred surfaces at the sight of this cruel man, who he mauls badly. Scott must intervene and drag White Fang away before Beauty is killed. Amazingly, the wolf-dog calms down at the slightest word from Scott, showing the true respect and undying love he has for his master.

PART VCHAPTER 1SummaryIn this chapter, Weedon Scott prepares to leave for California, his home, knowing he must leave White Fang behind. White Fang senses the impending separation and refuses to eat again. Scott is concerned about the wolf-dog, but he is afraid he will never be tame enough to live in California.
The day Scott is to leave, White Fang is at his heels all the time. Two Indians come and pick up the luggage and take it to the steamboat, Aurora, which is packed with adventurers and gold seekers. Scott then departs, locking White Fang in the cabin until he has safely sailed away. White Fang, however, breaks free through the window and later appears on board the ship. Scott, seeing such devotion, finally decides to take him along, despite Matt’s warning that the California climate will not suit White Fang.
NotesWhite Fang is on the verge of losing his new master, who is preparing to leave for his home in California. White Fang senses impending danger and grows totally depressed; he refuses to eat and audibly cries in a human-like way. Scott feels terrible about leaving White Fang behind, but he believes the wolf-dog could never adjust to life in California; he also fears he would kill all his other dogs and drive his master to bankruptcy with damage suits.
Because he feels terrible about White Fang, Scott is on edge, snapping at Matt. When White Fang begins to howl with displeasure, Matt is sure that White Fang will quickly die in Scott’s absence. Both men are amazed, however, that White Fang has sensed the impending departure.
Before leaving, Scott pets White Fang tenderly, but the wolf-dog refuses to growl his typical friendly growl. When Scott leaves White Fang behind, locked in the cabin until he sails away, a determined White Fang jumps out the window and boards the boat. Scott ultimately decides to take White Fang along after he realizes his blind devotion.

PART VCHAPTER 2SummaryWhen White Fang reaches San Francisco, he is chained in a cage and put on a baggage cart; he is amazed at the sight of the tall buildings, crowded streets, and horse carts. When they arrive at Scott’s country home, they are greeted by Scott’s mother, who warmly embraces her son.
White Fang sees this as a hostile act and starts to snarl at Scott’s mother. Scott has to control the wolf-dog. When White Fang finally goes off to explore his new home, he encounters Collie, the indignant sheepdog, and is attacked by the deerhound, Dick. These animals have no reason to fear White Fang.
NotesThe city is totally strange to White Fang. A sense of bewilderment overtakes him, and he stays close to his master, for fear of being lost. White Fang’s response of rage when he sees Scott’s mother embrace him is almost comic, but it reminds the reader of how protective White Fang is of his new master.
At Scott’s country home, White Fang encounters dogs everywhere he goes. He first meets Collie, the sheepdog, who is highly apprehensive about this newcomer. White Fang does not attack at first, but then Collie stands in his way no matter where he goes and does not allow him to follow the master into his carriage. White Fang finally turns on the sheepdog and strikes her squarely; she cries with hurt and indignation. White Fang also fights Dick, a deerhound, but Collie intervenes to save his life. His father, Judge Scott, suggests that they leave Dick and White Fang to fight it out, but Scott only laughs at the suggestion; he knows that White Fang is a killer wolf.

CHAPTER 3SummaryWhite Fang’s experiences at Sierra Vista, Scott’s residence, are described in this chapter. Scott’s family is also introduced. Dick, the deeerhound, has accepted White Fang, and they do fine together; but White Fang tries to avoid Collie, who still tries to stand in his way. White Fang also learns to like Weedon and Maud, Scott’s children, and to accept the servants.
It is difficult for White Fang to adjust to Sierra Vista and learn the rules he must follow. Once, he kills fifty chickens before he learns that their coop is off-limits. Scott works with White Fang, trying to train him for life in the California countryside. He uses his voice, not violence, to control White Fang, who responds positively and learns quickly. Even Judge Scott is forced to admit that White Fang is smart. Before long, White Fang has learned to spare domesticated animals, such as the chickens, and to pursue only wild animals, like jack rabbits.
There are three dogs in town who perpetually trouble White Fang. Since he is not allowed to fight them, he tries to stay away. One day he is permitted to pursue these dogs, and he kills them all. The reader is suddenly reminded of White Fang’s wild origins and recent history. It is miraculous that Scott has been able to bring this wolf under control.
NotesWhite Fang settles into life at Sierra Vista, even making peace, in his own way, with Dick and Collie. He begins to assess the people he meets on the basis of the affection that Scott shows to them; what his master values, he also values. Since Scott openly loves his children, White Fang, who has never liked children, begins to enjoy Weedon and Maud, even though he is not demonstrative with them. He actually feels sad when the children leave him to go and play. White Fang also develops a relationship with Judge Scott, his master’s father; they often wait together for Scott to return home. Slowly, White Fang begins to let other members of the family than Scott to pet him.
It does not take long for White Fang to learn a new “law.” He does not need to be hit or shouted at to learn new things. While training White Fang, Scott merely modulates his voice in order to make the wolf-dog understand a command. As always, the wolf-dog is a quick learner.

CHAPTER 4SummaryWhite Fang does not really have much to do in California. At first, he is not friendly with the other dogs and vaguely misses the excitement of fighting. When Scott goes out on horseback, White Fang eagerly follows, traveling for miles. Once, Scott falls off his horse and breaks his leg. Unable to move, he orders White Fang to go home, where the dog growls and attracts the attention of his master’s wife. He finally convinces the family to follow him back to Scott, but only after barking, which he is reluctant to do. He has not yet adopted all canine habits.
White Fang grows more mellow in Sierra Vista. He actually begins to play with Collie and actually misses an outing with Scott in order to be with the sheepdog. He also learns to tolerate laughter when it is issued by Scott.
NotesThe author describes White Fang’s new life at Scott’s home, where he constantly experiences human kindness. Since there is little for him to do, he eagerly chases his master each time he goes for a horseback ride. He also learns to tolerate his master’s laughter and to play with Collie. During the chapter, White Fang proves his worth when Scott falls off his horse and breaks his leg. By returning home and barking, White Fang convinces the family to follow him; he leads them to the fallen Scott, perhaps saving his master’s life.
PART VCHAPTER 5SummaryThis last chapter tells of an escaped convict, Jim Hall. He was long ago sentenced to fifty years in prison by Judge Scott. Innocent of the crime, Hall resents the judge who put him away and seeks revenge. Three years of life in a prison cell have made him morose, indignant, violent, and bitter. He escapes from jail by killing the guards with his own bare hands. When the news of Hall’s escape reaches Sierra Vista, the family becomes very anxious. For protection, Alice, Judge Scott’s wife, lets White Fang into the house every night when the family goes to sleep, even though the judge does not allow the dog inside.
Early one morning, White Fang hears strange footsteps inside the house. Suspicious of the stranger that he finds, he attacks silently and furiously. When the family wakes up, they find Jim Hall lying dead in their home. White Fang, too, is severely wounded, with one broken hind-leg, three broken ribs, a great loss of blood, and three bullet holes. The family spares no expense to save his life, and their attempts are rewarded. White Fang is then dubbed “the Blessed Wolf” by Alice Scott. He also becomes the proud father of puppies, which Collie jealously guards.
NotesThis chapter introduces Jim Hall, a convict who is shown to be similar in many ways to White Fang. Both man and wolf have been exposed to aggression in childhood, which causes them both to become violent. The worse each behaves, the worse each is treated by society. Like White Fang, Hall has taken many beatings and has suffered a great deal; he has also been unfairly locked up, like White Fang. In San Quentin Prison, Hall becomes incorrigible, almost animal-like in his behavior. In order to escape and avenge his erroneous imprisonment, he kills two guards with his bare hands, just as White Fang has killed with his bare teeth. The police have put out a reward for Jim Hall, and many greedy farmers go out of their way to hunt him down, as if he were an animal. Just as White Fang killed all the dogs who hindered him in his progress, so does Jim Hall kill all the people who get in his way. Just as White Fang tries to kill Beauty Smith to avenge the wrongs inflicted on him, Jim Hall seeks to kill Judge Scott. White Fang, however, stands in the way of Jim Hall’s goal. When he finds the stranger in the Scott household, he attacks and kills, risking his own life in the process.
White Fang’s injuries inflicted by Jim Hall leave him with a thousand to one chance of survival. The Scott family, however, owes the wolf-dog a great debt and does everything possible to save him. The novel ends on an optimistic note with White Fang surviving his injuries and becoming a father.

CHARACTER ANALYSISWhite Fang
White Fang, born a gray wolf cub, stands out from Kiche’s litter in every way. He looks more like a wolf than his siblings and is clearly stronger and more intelligent. His mother recognizes his abilities and gives him special nurturing. As a result, he survives the famine that kills all of his siblings. It is like this wolf-dog is meant to be a leader. As a result, he becomes the central character and protagonist of Jack London’s novel.
As he grows, White Fang clearly shows his superiority. He is strong, powerful, and intelligent. He quickly learns through natural instinct that only the fittest survive, so he sharpens his skills to make certain he is always alert and ready. He endures many ordeals in life because of his survival instinct. He also clearly establishes his superiority over other animals.
When White Fang is taken to live with the Indians, he learns that he must be responsible and obedient to survive in the human world. He quickly understands how to act in order to avoid the rod, and behaves accordingly. He learns that man is fair to him when he obeys. As a result, he accepts Gray Beaver as his master, calling him “god” and acknowledging his superiority. Although White Fang and Gray Beaver are faithful to one another, there is no expression of love, only respect.
Gray Beaver is tricked into selling White Fang to Beauty Smith, who wants to make a profit off the wolf-dog’s skills in fighting. Already aggressive and powerful by nature, Beauty torments White Fang and beats him regularly. He then turns White Fang loose on other dogs and wild animals. The wolf-dog is always the victor, sometimes fighting three dogs at once. Once day White Fang meets his match in a bulldog named Cheever. While he is pinned on the floor by the enemy, Weedon Scott comes into the ring to save White Fang, buying the injured wolf-dog for three hundred dollars.
Through patience and kindness, Scott encourages White Fang. Slowly but surely, the wolf-dog again begins to trust a human. He finally eats out of Scott’s hand and allows this kind master to pet him. It is the turning point in White Fang’s life, for he has never before given or received love from a human. In appreciation for the affection that he feels, White Fang become totally devoted to Scott. When Scott goes away for a visit, the wolf-dog almost dies, refusing to eat or drink.
When Scott prepares to return home to California, White Fang senses that something is wrong. He barely leaves his master’s heels. When Scott departs, he locks White Fang into the cabin until after he has set sail. White Fang breaks through the window and boards the steamer. Scott decides to take White Fang along to California, where he becomes the family pet and saves the life of Judge Scott. At the end of the novel, he is seen as the proud father of puppies and the faithful friend to his “god,” Weedon Scott.
She-Wolf (Kiche)
Kiche, the brave mother of White Fang and the intelligent leader of the wolf pack, plays a major role in the early part of the novel. Her cunning shows in her ability to lure the male dogs away from Harry and Bill’s team of sled dogs. The two men are amazed at her boldness, for she approaches the fire and does not seem to fear humans. Later in the book, Kiche’s past is explained. She has lived among the Indians and is comfortable around humans. In fact, when given a chance to leave her domesticated life style, she always returns to the Indian camp.
Kiche’s maternal instinct makes her highly protective of White Fang and the other cubs. When they are young, she never lets them venture out of the cave and disciplines them when necessary. She also fights to get them food. She is even prepared to do battle with the female lynx if necessary in order to protect her offspring. When all of White Fang’s siblings die due to the famine, White Fang becomes particularly close to Kiche, looking to her for guidance and protection. It seems she is always there to help him and saves him from the wolverine and the weasel.
When White Fang sees humans for the first time, he is amazed to see his mother approach them. She readily returns to life in the Indian camp, bringing White Fang with her. When she is traded to an Indian for a debt and taken away in a canoe, White Fang tries to swim after her. Gray Beaver, however, comes and retrieves the cub, who is almost grown. Later in the book, White Fang sees Kiche again, but she does not acknowledge him. She has had another litter, and White Fang is a threat to the security of her new cubs. White Fang is puzzled by Kiche’s distant behavior, but accepts it. He will always respect Kiche as his mother and teacher.
Gray Beaver
Gray Beaver is the Indian master of White Fang. He does not demonstrate love for the wolf-dog, but is fair to him. Although he “tames” the wild creature through beatings, once the cub leans obedience, Gray Beaver is satisfied and often defends White Fang and gives him extra meat because he is proud of the cub’s strength. As a result, White Fang respects and obeys Gray Beaver, believing him to be his “god”.
Gray Beaver is not a cruel man; he simply belongs to a way of life in which violence is a means for survival. He believes he must clearly establish his authority and superiority over White Fang. If the wolf is to be useful as a sled dog, he must know how to follow commands without hesitation or questioning.
Unfortunately, Gray Beaver is easily tricked. When Beauty Smith sees how well White Fang fights, he wants the wolf for his own. To accomplish his goal, he begins to feed alcohol to Gray Beaver. Before long, the Indian becomes addicted to drinking. He spends all the money he has made from trading fur in the Yukon and then sells White Fang to Beauty for some bottles of whiskey. White Fang hates Beauty, for he is a merciless and violent master. He repeatedly tries to return to Gray Beaver, but the Indian, who is very honorable, always returns White Fang to his new owner.
In spite of his weaknesses, Gray Beaver, for the most part, is a faithful master to White Fang. He is also partially responsible for developing the wolf-dog’s strength, intelligence, and independence. Beauty Smith
Beauty’s name is deceiving, for there is nothing beautiful about this dishonest and despicable man. He is known for his cowardly rages and the violence he inflicts. When he sees the power and strength of White Fang, he is very impressed; when he sees the wolf maul other dogs, Beauty is delighted and screams and jumps for joy. When there is something that Beauty wants, he will stoop to any trick to obtain it. He decides that White Fang should become his animal, for he wants to make him a fighter who can win him money from bets. Beauty feeds Gray Beaver alcohol until he is addicted to it; then Beauty trades Gray Beaver several bottle of whiskey for White Fang.
Beauty is a cruel, violent master. He keeps White Fang chained in a pen, and then beats and torments him to make him meaner. He capitalizes on White Fang’s sensitivity to laughter and mockery and teases him derisively. When he puts White Fang in the ring, he expects him to win, even if he is fighting a lynx or three other dogs. During the fights, he derives vicarious pleasure from the gory killings and gruesome wounds that White Fang inflicts. Because he wants to avoid Beauty’s violence and the shame of losing, White Fang is always the victor.
When Beauty pits White Fang against a ferocious bulldog, White Fang is pinned and is about to be killed. Weedon Smith rescues the wolf-dog, paying three hundred dollars for him. Beauty, who thinks that White Fang is a “goner,” is delighted with the sell. After all, he never cared for White Fang; he only used him to make money. It is no wonder that White Fang, lost most people, had an intense hatred for his master.
Lip-lip
Lip-lip is one of the pups in the Indian camp where White Fang goes to live. From the beginning of his stay there, Lip-lip plays a major role as one of White Fang’s key enemies. The dog’s survival instinct comes close to that of the wolf cub. He taunts White Fang unmercifully and wins all his fights against him; he also makes all the other camp dogs hate White Fang. Had it not been for Lip-lip’s hostility and aggression toward White Fang, the wolf cub would have been different. Lip-lip’s provocation leads White Fang into constant fights, making him strong, determined, and powerful. White Fang also develops an antipathy for members of his own kind because of Lip-lip and spends most of his dog days as a morose loner. During one of the famines, White Fang encounters Lip-lip again, and his hatred for the dog is immediate. They ferociously fight, and White Fang, for the first time, emerges victorious, killing his arch enemy.
Weedon Scott
Weedon Scott is White Fang’s savior. When the wolf-dog is pinned in the ring by a bull dog, he is near death. Scott saves him by offering to pay Beauty Smith three hundred dollars. He then pries the bulldog’s jaws off White Fang’s throat and has his assistant lift the near-dead wolf-dog from the ring. Then Scott nurses White Fang back to health. This kindly master believes that love begets love, but he is disappointed that White Fang at first refuses to respond to the affection he shows him. Even after two weeks of encourage, the wolf-dog will not come near Scott. Encouraged by Matt, his assistant and dog-muster, Scott does not give up. Finally, by coaxing him ever closer with meat, Scott is able to reach out and touch White Fang. Amazingly, the wolf-dog responds to the gentle touch and before long allows Scott to pet him. The master then begins to train White Fang to appropriate behavior through controlling his voice level. An intelligent animal, White Fang learns quickly and becomes obedient, responding favorably to kindness over violence.
Before long, White Fang accepts Scott as his “god” and become attached to him for his kindness and gentleness. Since he has never known love or affection before, White Fang is soon totally devoted to his master and guards him and his property. He does not even mind when Scott laughs at him, for he understands that his master offers good-natured humor rather than mockery.
White Fang cannot stand to be left behind by Scott. When the master once travels away from home, White Fang refuses to eat or drink. Matt has to call Scott home in order to save the wolf-dog’s life. When White Fang sees his master making preparation to return home to California, he is miserable and again refuses to eat. When Scott is ready to depart on the boat, he sadly bids White Fang good-bye and locks him in the cabin. White Fang refuses to stay behind and races ahead and boards the steamer. The kind Scott, seeing White Fang’s complete devotion, decides the wolf-dog can go with him to California, where he works to train White Fang to adjust to his new and more domesticated life.
Judge Scott
Judge Scott is the father of Weedon Scott, White Fang’s master. He scoffs at his son’s devotion to White Fang and believes the wolf-dog will never learn the rules of living in a country home in California. When he sees White Fang’s intelligence and obedience for himself, he is impressed and warms to the wolf-dog. White Fang is fond of the judge because his master is fond of the man. Before long, White Fang often sits with the judge as he reads his newspaper.
Judge Scott is also the man who imprisoned Jim Hall. As a result, he is the person against whom Hall seeks revenge. Fortunately, White Fang is standing guard when Hall breaks into the Scott household. Since the wolf-dog does not know this stranger and senses danger, he attacks and kills him, although he is badly wounded in the fight. Above everyone, the judge makes every effort to save White Fang’s life in appreciation for the wolf-dog’s efforts.
Jim Hall
Jim Hall is a convict who has been erroneously accused of a crime that he did not commit. During his stay in prison, he grows angry, violent, and vengeful and becomes determined to strike back at Judge Hall, who was responsible for his imprisonment. When he escapes from jail, he heads to the home of Judge Scott, harming everything and everyone who tries to stop him along the way. Once he arrives at Sierra Vista, he sneaks into the house. White Fang, always on guard, hears Hall’s strange, silent footsteps. Not recognizing the stranger, he attacks and kills Hall.
Ironically, Hall and White Fang share many similarities. Both have been provoked into aggression in early childhood and are prone to violence. Both have been falsely accused. Both have lived miserable lives, trapped in some kind of cage. Additionally, Hall’s killing spree mirrors White Fang’s fights with dogs that he always kills; neither of them spares someone or something that stands in their way. In the end, White Fang turns his aggression to good, probably saving the life of Judge Scott; unfortunately for Hall, he does not live long enough to channel his aggression in any positive way because of White Fang.
Collie
Scott’s sheepdog in California is apprehensive about White Fang from the very beginning. Her instinct senses the wildness in this wolf-dog whom she fears by nature. She takes advantage of every opportunity to harass him and is often openly hostile. She is amazed that White Fang refuses to fight her, but the wolf-dog instinctively knows it is wrong to fight with a female dog, especially one that belongs to the master. At first, White Fang just tries to ignore her. But as time passes, he soon wins her over and fathers her puppies.

PLOT STRUCTURE ANALYSISLondon has neatly divided the book into five parts. Part I, consisting of three chapters, gives an introduction to the unexplored land of Northland Wild through the perspective of two human characters, Bill and Henry. It clearly sets the mood for the entire novel. It also introduces the pack of wolves who inhabit this area and whose story is later elaborated upon in Part II. The she-wolf, her mates, and their experiences form Part II. The cub, who later grows up to be White Fang, also makes an entrance here, commencing the rising action. His experiences in the wild and his physical and mental growth are recounted in detail. In Part III, the rising action continues as White Fang meets his man-masters, the makers of fire, with whom he has to spend a considerable amount of time. White Fang undergoes famines and journeys and other hardships which contribute to his personality.
In Part IV, the story takes a turn, with the historical setting of the gold rush. White Fang is introduced to the white gods, and he encounters Beauty Smith, under whom he is trained for dogfights. The first four chapters are devoted to these dog-fights and Smith’s brutal treatment of White Fang. Towards the end of IV, Weedon Scott enters and remains until the end of the book. In chapter six, the climax occurs, when White Fang finally overcomes his fear and distrust and allows Scott to pet him. In Part V, which is largely falling action, Scott takes White Fang along with him to his home in California, where the wolf-dog must learn a new set of laws. He learns quickly and also ingratiates himself to the family by saving the life of Judge Scott. The conclusion occurs at the end of the book when White Fang is nursed back to health after his fight with Jim Hall and becomes the father of Collie’s puppies, giving the novel a happy ending.
Because of the episodic nature of the novel, the geographical setting varies greatly. Part I and Part II are set in the Northland Wild, largely in the brutally cold and snowy winter. Part III shifts to the Indian camp and a time of more temperate weather. Part IV takes the reader to Fort Yukon, and Part V is basically in California.
In spite of these shifting settings, the constancy of theme and character and the intensely developed plot hold the novel together.
THEMES - THEME ANALYSISSurvival of the Fittest
One of the dominant themes in the novel is the Darwinian theory of “the survival of the fittest.” White Fang and his mother (Kiche, the she-wolf) are both exposed to the cruel ways of nature. As a responsible and clever leader, Kiche guides her pack of wolves through the cold, brutal, dead environment of Northland Wild. The bitter temperature and lack of food make it difficult to exist, but Kiche is intelligent, strong, and determined. She survives by luring sled dogs away from their camp and devouring them. When necessary for survival, she will even attack a human.
White Fang is also exposed to the harshness of nature. At an early age, he learns hunger, as he fights to survive several famines. He also learns that he must learn to fight to survive, for the law of nature is to “eat or be eaten.” The fight with the lynx, the battles with Lip-lip, and the dogfights in the ring all teach him survival skills. He also learns that man is a powerful beast, and the beating from the hands of humans make White Fang even more determined to come out on top.
The urge to survive is seen throughout every chapter in White Fang, serving as a unifying theme to hold the exciting episodes of the book together.
Love Begets Love
Love begets love is another important theme of the novel. Throughout most of his early life, White Fang knows nothing but cruelty and violence. As a result, he develops hatred and aggression. His first master, Gray Beaver, beats White Fang into submission and obedience; in spite of the violence, the wolf-dog respects and obeys Gray Beaver, not out of love, but out of a fear of punishment. White Fang’s second master, Beauty Smith, inspires nothing but hatred, for he is a mean, violent, and cruel man. Weedon Smith, White Fang’s third master, is a total contrast to the first two, for he is a kind and gentle man who gives the wolf-dog affection and teaches him to love.
Scott rescues White Fang from certain death, for he is pinned by a bulldog, who is attacking his throat. Because he is a kind man, he nurses White Fang to health and gives him affection. At first White Fang is distrustful, because of his earlier experiences; but Scott has patience and continues to encourage the wolf-dog. He finally coaxes White Fang to him by using pieces of meet. Before long, White Fang allows Scott to pet him. Then when Scott tries to teach White Fang, he uses voice control rather than violence. White Fang is totally amazed and learns quickly from this new style of teaching. He also becomes totally devoted to Scott for his kindness and affection. In fact when Scott goes away, White Fang is so miserable that he cannot eat or drink. When Scott hears that White Fang is growing ill, he rushes home. There is obviously a deep, mutual love between this gentle master and fierce wolf-dog, proving that love does indeed beget love.
STUDY QUESTIONS1. Describe the Northland Wild and Bill’s experiences there. 2. Describe the wolf-pack’s experiences in the Wild. 3. What kind of mother is Kiche? 4. How is the gray cub different from the others in the litter? 5. Is White Fang born aggressive, or is he made aggressive? Fully explain your answer. 6. What role does Lip-lip play in White Fang’s development? 7. Describe in detail White Fang’s experiences with Gray Beaver. 8. Describe his experience with Beauty Smith. 9. How does Scott succeed in “taming” White Fang? 10. Does White Fang belong in the city or in the Wild? Support your answer 11. Show how White Fang is different from the other “domesticated” dogs. 12. Which human qualities are attributed to White Fang? Do they benefit him or deter him? Explain you answer.
13. Jim Hall and White Fang share a similar background. Explain how. 14. What are the two major themes of the novel? How are they developed and how are they related? 15. The novel is filled with violence. How can it be classified as a comedy?