Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration for emphasis. However, the novel's strength lies in its realistic portrayal of the harsh Alaskan wilderness and the struggles of a dog learning to survive in this new world.
Here are a few reasons why hyperbole might not be a common device in the book:
* Realism: Jack London aimed for realism in depicting the brutal conditions and the animal instincts that drive Buck. He uses strong verbs and sensory details to paint a clear picture of the environment and its impact on the characters.
* Focus on Nature: The book emphasizes the power of nature and the instincts of animals. Hyperbole might undermine the raw, primal forces at play in the story.
* Character Development: Buck's transformation from a pampered pet to a wild dog is driven by a gradual process of adaptation and survival. Excessive exaggeration could detract from this realistic evolution.
Instead of hyperbole, London employs other literary devices, such as:
* Simile: "He was a creature of the wild, a raw, untamed thing, a wolf in the guise of a dog."
* Metaphor: "The silence was broken by a sharp, quick cry, the cry of a wild animal in pain."
* Personification: "The wind, a hungry beast, howled around him."
These devices contribute to the book's raw power and emotional impact, capturing the primal essence of both man and animal in the face of nature's indifference.