Call of the Wild vs. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Attribute	Call of the Wild	The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Genre	Adventure	Non-fiction
Main Character	Buck	Henrietta Lacks
Setting	Yukon Territory, Canada	United States
Themes	Survival, nature, loyalty	Medical ethics, race, family
Author	Jack London	Rebecca Skloot

Plot

Call of the Wild, written by Jack London, follows the story of a domestic dog named Buck who is stolen from his home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. The novel explores Buck's journey as he adapts to his new environment and taps into his primal instincts to survive in the harsh wilderness. On the other hand, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, written by Rebecca Skloot, delves into the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and became the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa cells. The book explores the impact of Henrietta's cells on scientific research and the ethical implications of using her cells without her consent.

Themes

Both Call of the Wild and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks touch on themes of survival and resilience. In Call of the Wild, Buck must rely on his instincts and adapt to the harsh conditions of the wilderness in order to survive. Similarly, Henrietta Lacks' cells demonstrate an incredible ability to survive and multiply, leading to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Additionally, both novels explore the idea of identity and the impact of one's environment on their sense of self. Buck's transformation from a domestic pet to a wild animal reflects the theme of identity in Call of the Wild, while Henrietta Lacks' story raises questions about autonomy and ownership of one's own cells.

Character Development

In Call of the Wild, Buck undergoes a significant transformation as he learns to embrace his wild instincts and adapt to his new environment. Jack London skillfully portrays Buck's evolution from a pampered pet to a fierce and independent leader of the sled dog team. On the other hand, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks focuses on the impact of Henrietta's cells on scientific research and the lives of her descendants. While Henrietta herself is not a central character in the traditional sense, her presence is felt throughout the book as her cells continue to play a crucial role in medical advancements.

Writing Style

Jack London's writing in Call of the Wild is known for its vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the emotional depth of the characters. London's prose captures the beauty and brutality of nature, immersing readers in Buck's journey of self-discovery. In contrast, Rebecca Skloot's writing in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is more journalistic in nature, blending scientific research with personal narratives to tell Henrietta's story. Skloot's meticulous research and attention to detail bring Henrietta's story to life, shedding light on the ethical complexities of medical research.

Impact

Both Call of the Wild and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks have had a lasting impact on readers and the literary world. Jack London's novel has been praised for its exploration of primal instincts and the power of nature, inspiring readers to reflect on their own connection to the natural world. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks has sparked important conversations about medical ethics and informed consent, prompting a reexamination of the ways in which scientific research is conducted. Both books continue to resonate with readers and provoke thought on important social and ethical issues.