Writing Techniques in The Sea-Wolf

The Sea-Wolf Techniques

In The Sea-Wolf London uses his vigorous, plain prose to dramatize his theories of environmental determinism through action and character. However, the novel's tight structure makes it seem formulaic at points, and London's preoccupation with matter over manner results in some static debates between van Weyden and Larsen.

Although Maud Brewster has an important function in terms of the novel's ideas, her improbable introduction off the coast of Japan and the sexless love affair that develops between her and van Weyden mark the weakest aspect of the novel. London is unable to describe their prudish passion in terms that significantly distinguish the prose of the final chapters from the sentimental claptrap common to the popular magazine fiction of his day.