Question

read this passage from jack london’s short story “the law of life.” he did not complain. it was the way of life, and it was just. he had been born close to the earth, close to the earth had he lived, and the law thereof was not new to him. it was the law of all flesh. nature was not kindly to the flesh. she had no concern for that concrete thing called the individual. her interest lay in the species, the race. what principle of naturalism is found in this excerpt? the universe is an uncaring, unfeeling force. nature ensures that both life and death are fair. the universe is full of those who care for others. the force of nature is ever present in the world.

Explanation:

To determine the principle of Naturalism in the excerpt, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: The passage states "Nature was not kindly to the flesh" and "She had no concern for that concrete thing called the individual. Her interest lay in the species, the race", showing the universe (nature) is uncaring and unfeeling towards individuals. This matches Naturalism's view of a indifferent natural force.
• Option 2: The excerpt emphasizes nature's indifference to individuals, not that the universe is full of those who care for others. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The text says nature has no concern for the individual, so it doesn't ensure fairness for life and death. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The focus is on nature's indifference, not the presence of nature's force. Eliminate.

Answer:

A. The universe is an uncaring, unfeeling force.