What are the common themes in classic American wilderness novels?

One of the well - known classic American wilderness novels is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It tells the story of a dog named Buck who is thrust into the harsh Alaskan wilderness and has to adapt to survive. Another is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is not only about the hunt for a great white whale but also delves deep into themes of obsession and man's relationship with nature in the vast ocean wilderness.

One common theme is man's struggle for survival. In novels like 'The Call of the Wild', Buck has to fight to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Another theme is the search for self - discovery. In 'Into the Wild', the main character goes into the wilderness to find himself. Also, the relationship between man and nature is a big theme, like in 'A River Runs Through It' where the characters have a deep connection with the Montana wilderness.

A great example of a wilderness novel is 'The Sign of the Beaver' by Elizabeth George Speare. It's set in the Maine wilderness in the 18th century and tells the story of a boy left alone to guard his family's new home while his father goes to get the rest of the family. 'Far North' by Will Hobbs is also a good one. The story takes place in the Arctic wilderness and follows the adventures of a young boy. 'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls has elements of wilderness as well, with the main character's adventures in the Ozark Mountains while hunting with his dogs.

One famous American wilderness novel is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It tells the story of a dog named Buck who is thrust into the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Another is 'My Ántonia' by Willa Cather, which also has elements of the Nebraska prairie wilderness. And 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, as Huck and Jim journey along the Mississippi River, which can be seen as a form of wilderness.

Adventure is a common theme. The wilderness provides a backdrop for exciting escapades. Another is self - discovery. The characters often learn more about themselves while falling in love.

One of the common themes is the coming - of - age story. 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a great example. Holden Caulfield's journey through adolescence and his struggle to find his place in the world is a classic coming - of - age theme. Additionally, many classic novels deal with the theme of justice. In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch battles for justice in a racially divided society. And then there's the theme of death and mortality, which is explored in 'A Tale of Two Cities' during the French Revolution.

American wilderness novels often reflect the American spirit through themes of independence. In novels like 'The Call of the Wild', the main character, Buck, has to rely on himself in the wilderness, which is similar to the American idea of self - reliance.

The sense of adventure. They take readers to wild and untamed places. It's exciting to read about characters facing challenges like finding food, shelter in the wilderness.

One popular one is 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen. It tells the story of a boy who has to survive in the wilderness alone after a plane crash. Another is 'My Side of the Mountain' by Jean Craighead George, which follows a boy as he tries to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains.

Some common themes include the immigrant experience, identity struggle, the impact of anti - Semitism, and the relationship between Jewish traditions and modern American life. For example, in 'The Adventures of Augie March' by Saul Bellow, the protagonist's journey through different social strata reflects the immigrant's search for self - identity in America. Another theme is the preservation of Jewish heritage in a new and often secular environment.