White Fang Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph) Shmoop has numbered the chapters continuously, but the book renumbers them in each Part.

Quote #7

In this manner it came about that he fought all sizes and breeds of dogs. It was a savage land, the men were savage, and the fights were usually to the death. (17.11)

Not so civilized now, are we?

Quote #8

White Fang had ceased eating, lost heart, and allowed every dog of the team to thrash him. (20.41)

Here's an interesting sign of White Fang's domestication. Like Henry with the burning coals, White Fang is allowing himself to suffer. He chooses to stop eating and get beaten up by all the other dogs, because he loves Scott just that much. Could London be drawing a line between needless suffering and noble suffering here?

Quote #9

At the same moment Matt noticed two objects lying in the snow. He held the lamp close to them, indicating them with his toe for his employer's benefit—a steel dog-chain and a stout club. (20.65)

This is a great example of how London can say a lot without saying much at all. He just has to tell us what Beauty brings to kidnap White Fang to remind us of how much the wolf has suffered. Who knew a few little words could tell us so much?