Question

how does the point of view in jack londons story \the law of life\ reflect a characteristic of naturalism?
the narrator knows (and reveals to readers) that koskoosh will be rescued by his people.
the narrator is a man pitted against nature, and he knows he will lose.
the narrator is koskooshs son, who has seen death many times but fears losing his father.
the narrator knows what will happen to koskoosh, but koskoosh does not.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the naturalistic elements in Jack London's "The Law of Life". Naturalism often portrays humans as at the mercy of nature, with a sense of determinism. Let's evaluate each option:

• Option 1: The idea that Koskoosh will be rescued goes against the naturalistic theme of humans being subject to natural forces (and in this story, the old are left to die), so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: In naturalism, characters often face nature as a powerful, indifferent force. The narrator (or Koskoosh, in the story's perspective) is a man pitted against nature, and he knows he will lose (as the old are left behind to die, following the "law of life"). This aligns with naturalistic themes of humanity's struggle against and ultimate submission to natural forces.
• Option 3: The story's narrator (Koskoosh) is the one facing death, not his son fearing losing his father in a way that reflects naturalism. The focus is on the individual against nature, not familial fear.
• Option 4: Koskoosh is aware of his impending death (as per the "law of life" where the old are left to die), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. The narrator is a man pitted against nature, and he knows he will lose.