In Jack London novel "The Call of the Wild", the character Mercedes carries very heavy luggage that is used as a symbol of which aspect of so called civilized life?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of literary symbolism in Jack London novel "The Call of the Wild". In particular, it focuses on the character Mercedes and her excessive luggage, which represents a deeper theme about civilization and the wild.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing the novel "The Call of the Wild".
• The character Mercedes brings an enormous amount of luggage on a sled journey.
• The question asks what this luggage symbolises.
• You are expected to think in terms of themes like civilization, materialism and survival.

Concept / Approach:
In literature, physical objects often act as symbols. Mercedes luggage is far more than a simple travel bag. It symbolises unnecessary material possessions and the burden of so called civilized habits that clash with the hard realities of life in the wild. Understanding this symbol requires linking the object to the broader theme of civilization versus nature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Mercedes insists on carrying many trunks and belongings on the sled. Step 2: Notice that these items are not useful for survival in harsh snow conditions. Step 3: Interpret the luggage as a sign of dependence on material comfort and social status. Step 4: Connect this to the larger contrast in the novel between rugged natural life and soft, artificial civilized life. Step 5: From the options, the phrase that best captures this idea is "Civilization and artificial modern life".

Verification / Alternative check:
If you think of other interpretations, such as romance or violence, they do not match the scenes involving Mercedes. The luggage does not express love or cruelty directly. Instead it always appears when London criticises the absurdity of urban habits in the wilderness, which confirms that it symbolises a misguided form of civilization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Luxury and personal comfort: This is partly related, but the deeper theme is not only comfort, it is the entire civilized way of life that fails in the wild.
Romantic love and loyalty: The luggage has nothing to do with love or relationships.
Violence and cruelty in the wild: The violence in the novel is shown through dogs and humans, not through luggage.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose the superficially related idea of luxury without seeing the wider symbolic meaning. Another error is to ignore the theme of civilization versus nature, which is central to the book.

Final Answer:
Civilization and artificial modern life