Jack London’s The Call of the Wilde

CHAPTER 1

1. What is Bucks life like at the judge’s home? Buck was treated warmly. He was well loved by the family members of the judge, including the children and the grandchildren. There was no scarcity in food, and he was well cared for by the people in the estate.

2. Why does the stranger lie to the baggageman on the train and say that the dog has fits? The stranger had to lie, primarily because Buck was kidnapped. In addition to this, denying the real status of the dog would prevent further questions to be raised.

3. How does the man in the red sweater train Buck? The man treated Buck harshly. From the lavish life that Buck had in the Judge’s house, Buck was beaten and abused. After being hurt, the man gave warnings that he would be beaten again once he tries to show rage and anger before being sumptuous food.

4. How has Bucks life changed in this chapter? Buck’s life definitely changed in this chapter. From having a pampered life in the home of the Judge, Buck had to face the harsh realities that he did not know about.

CHAPTER 2

1. What happened to Curly that later gave Buck nightmares?In one of the scenes, Curly encountered a husky whom she later approached. Unfortunately, the husky returned her warm greeting by attacking her, resulting to bruises. Several other huskies later approached and swarmed towards the poor Curly. Buck tried to intervene by saving the men and his friend, but was too late. Curly was found lifeless.

2. How did Bucks eating habits change? Buck had to adjust to the harsh realities of life. From being pampered and given everything he needed, he had to scavenge for food. He had to work hard before he could eat food that was incomparable to the kind he had when he was still living with the Judge.

3. What did Buck learn from Curlys tragedy? When Curly died, buck learned that he had to be ready all the time. In order for him to survive life in the wild, he should be strong enough and battle each creature who tried to topple him down.

4. What purpose did Francois have in putting Buck between the other sled dogs, Dave and Sol-leks?

Buck was placed in the middle of Dave and Soleks so that he may be able to hear and accept commands from them.
In complete sentences, explain the meaning of each of these quotations from Chapter3 and Chapter 3

1. “The dominant primordial beast was strong in Buck, under the fierce conditions of trial life it grew and grew. Yet it was a secret growth. His newborn cunning gave him poise and control.” Buck never really had any idea of how difficult life was outside the walls of his comfort home. From the time he was a puppy, Buck was given all the lavish lifestyles dogs could ever have. Attention was never a question, for he was well loved by many. Before he got the chance to search for something, like food or drinks, it was readily served to him already. Working hard was never an option for him. Unfortunately, all of these were taken away from him. The hardships that Buck went through made him discover more about himself. Little did he know that besides being accustomed to a moral life, he was strong and powerful. Every heartbreaking experience that we went through made him physically and emotionally stronger-ready to battle anything and anyone who could come his way.

2. “The dark circle became a dot on the moon-flooded snow as Spitz disappeared from view. Buck stood and looked on, the successful champion, the dominant primordial beast who had made his kill and found it good.”

From being morally straight, Buck realized that there was more to life than everything that he was accustomed to. He was able to prove that he could be the best when Spitz, his arch rival, died. There was a sense of pride, accompanied by much contentment, upon the death of Spitz.

CHAPTER 4

1. “The general tone of the team picked up immediately. It recovered its old time solidarity, and once more the dogs leaped as one dog in the traces.” From being strangers, the dogs were able to unite and work as one team. They set aside their differences in order to achieve what was expected of them.

2. “A revolver shot rang out. The man came back hurriedly. The whips snapped, the bells tinkled merrily, the sleds churned along the trail, but Buck knew, and every dog knew, what had taken place behind the belt of the river trees.”

No matter how hard Buck tries to forget what has happened, it will continually haunt him for the rest of his life. The only way to be forget is to make up with what has been done.

In Chapter 5 for the characters Hal, Mercedes, and John Thorton find examples of characterization. Copy the quote and then tell what characteristic that is being demonstrated in it.
In the book, Mercedes was described to be the sister of Hal, and the wife of Charles. She was bossy, and well cared for. She was able to get everything she wanted, regardless of what these were. On the other hand, Hal was said to be a young man, who was nineteen years old, and was carrying a gun all throughout the encounter (London, 1986 pp. 53-54). The third man described in the chapter was John Thorton. He was described to be quiet, who only responded when asked. He was also an observant, for he was able to see the condition of the dogs even without asking Hal and Mercedes (London, 1986 p. 66).

CHAPTER 6 AND 7 SHORT ANSWER SENTENCE

1. Why does Buck love John Thorton more than any of his masters? Among all of his masters, Buck stayed true to John Thorton. In one the scenes, the latter was identified to have prevented Buck from being killed. Furthermore, he treated his dogs like they were his children. John Thorton showed much love for his dogs, which in turn, resulted to the loyalty of the dogs, including Buck, to him. All of the commands given by Thorton were obediently done and followed by Buck.

2. Why do men from the Eldorado Saloon throw their hats and mittens in the air and bubble over in incoherent babel? This was due to the fact that they were welcoming people from their town and those who have travelled from far away. It was a sort of hospitality from their end, which made the visitors at home and welcomed.

3. Why does Buck have such a sense of pride after what he does to the Yeehats? Buck had a sense of pride after killing most, if not all of the Yeehats, for he was able to seek revenge for the death of his master, John Thorton. Although alone, he was able to attack the Yeehats and kill them. Furthermore, he was able to make a name for himself. The Yeehats remembered him as someone powerful and fierce, which were heard from the stories that were passed on from generation to generation. Although he used to have all the luxuries of life, Buck was able to prove so much to himself and to the whole world.

4. What would it have meant if the men found the old Lost Cabin?

If the men were able to find the lost cabin, John Thorton would have still been alive and would not have been attacked by the Indians. Buck, on the other hand, would not have been fully opened to the realities of his “wolf side” and he would still be searching for the missing part of his life.

Reference

London, J. (1986). The call of the wild. USA: Aerie Books Ltd.