Classic novels are more than just average books found on library shelves. To become a classic, a novel must hold value within its literature. The Sea Wolf landed itself on the American reading list because it complied with what a worthy book has to become well-known. I believe that because The Sea Wolf got on the American reading list, it should not be removed to make space for other books. The quality of a book does not descend as time moves on; modern books may become classics, but an older book should never be stripped the title of being a valued book.

The Sea Wolf in particular makes many external connections with peripheral topics. By reading just this one novel, one will get a broad perspective of many other themes associated with the concepts conversed in the book. For example, the main character, Humphrey Van Weyden, is a literary critic. From this point of view, one will learn about literature in the early 1900s when this book was published. In addition, another main character that comes in shortly after the beginning of the book named Wolf Larsen is a powerful, fierce, unsympathetic person who owns a seal hunting boat. This gives insight to how people made a living during the times of this novel.

Further developed, the protagonist Humphrey Van Weyden’s adventures interlace with Wolf Larsen’s, showing the results of two very different people crossing paths in their journey of life. Humphrey Van Weyden complies with Wolf Larsen’s orders out of fear; this is shown immediately when Hump is assumed as a worker in a part of Wolf Larsen’s crew. When Wolf Larsen gives an order to Humphrey Van Weyden, he obeys from fear: “And thus it was that I passed into a state of involuntary servitude to Wolf Larsen. He was stronger than I, that was all. But it was very unreal at the time. It is no less unreal now that I look back upon it. It will always be to me a monstrous, inconceivable thing, a horrible nightmare.” Humphrey Van Weyden’s words make it seem like he had no choice but to abide by Wolf Larsen’s words. Thus, it gives insight to the social connections between a literary critic and a seal hunter.

In the philosophical aspect, Humphrey Van Weyden believes that life should be looked at as a sacred object that should be looked at with great importance. When he boards the Ghost, he realizes that these men have no thoughts for the great value of life. When a human’s life is thought of as a miniscule entity, Humphrey Van Weyden begins a debate with Wolf Larsen regarding philosophical matters. Wolf Larsen refuses to change his ways aboard his ship; he refuses to change the way he treats his crew members. Wolf Larsen, being a materialist, slowly makes himself sick by repetitively arguing with crew members.

On the other hand, Humphrey Van Weyden learns from Wolf Larsen’s bullying. As Wolf Larsen incapacitates himself, Humphrey Van Weyden develops courage from Wolf Larsen’s terror. Almost immediately after boarding the seal hunting ship, Hump experiences Wolf Larsen’s behavior towards his crew members: “… stirring of Wolf Larsen’s tremendous strength. It was utterly unexpected, and it was over and done with between the ticks of two seconds. He had sprung fully six feet across the deck and driven his fist into the other’s stomach. At the same moment, as though I had been struck myself, I felt a sickening shock in the pit of my stomach.” During the process of seeing others get hurt, Hump becomes more courageous himself.

Moments later, with courage developed in Humphrey Van Weyden’s mind, he attempted to save himself from the Ghost. “I had seen the frightful treatment of the cabin-boy, and knew that I should be very probably receive the same, if not worse. As I say, I debated with myself, and then I did what I considered the bravest act of my life. I ran to the side, waving my arms and shouting: ‘Lady Mine ahoy! Take me ashore! A thousand dollars if you take me ashore!’” This is only the start of his valorous actions, a result of his philosophical views clashing with a different person’s varied perspectives.

Another significant topic discussed within the novel that would save the novel from removal from the American reading list is Social Darwinism. This philosophical aspect is Wolf Larsen’s justification for being dominant and condescending towards others. Although Darwin himself did not approve of his own Social Darwinism, Wolf Larsen supports it by using it as his sole justification for capitalism and racism. On the other hand, Humphrey Van Weyden debates that Darwin is not, in fact, a valid justification for Wolf Larsen’s actions: “’You have read Darwin,’ I said. ‘But you read him misunderstandingly when you conclude that the struggle for existence sanctions your wanton destruction of life.’”

In addition, the point of view of the novel is a well-displayed and well-progressing aspect. The novel is a first-person narration by Humphrey Van Weyden. The book starts out as him being displayed as an overly-educated individual that seems like he knows too much for his own good. However, as the plot progresses, the viewpoint and intelligence of Humphrey Van Weyden changes into one that is experienced of many things and capable of doing more than he did previously. The plotline displays the maturation of thirty-five-year-old Humphrey Van Weyden, through his experiences on the seal hunting boat, Ghost.

In summary, I believe that The Sea Wolf should remain one of the classics on the American reading list. Through its integration of an extensive range of topics, it brings together a masterpiece of literature. Along with its advanced literary perspective to the connections with famous philosophers, to the entertaining plot line and the historical insights of the early 1900s, this novel is one like no other.