Themes of Call of the Wild

Go back to the quotation at the beginning of the novel and reread it. How does this quotation set the tone of the novel?

• It speaks of breaking the chains of civilization and reawakening the instincts of the primitive world.

Themes of Call of the Wild

What does the fight with Spitz show about Buck?

Buck has the ability to kill to ensure his survival. (survival of the fittest)

Themes of Call of the Wild

Author’s tone- views civilization as a bad thing. As Buck moves farther away from civilization what happens to him?

Buck becomes stronger, more self-reliant, fitter, more imaginative, and better in every aspect of his life.

Themes of Call of the Wild

What is the significance of the chapter titles?

They show Buck’s regression from pampered house pet to wild dog.

Themes of Call of the Wild

In what way is Call of the Wild a statemnet about the human condition/ on society as it exists? (hint; think about Hal, Charles, and Mercedes)

Jack London shows the scenes of the dehumanized mail train, the weakness of characters like Hal’s group, and the attack of the wild huskies. His solution is to retreat to the real world of the primordial beast.

Trace the development of Buck’s regression

• Buck lived as a hunting dog on Judge Miller’s estate and is a strong but pampered aristocrat. He lives by a code of dignity and civility but has no great passions

• Buck is sold by Manuel to the man in the red sweater where he learns the Law of Club

• Buck Starts as a sled dog for Francois and Perrault• He adjusts to the new environment by changing his eating habits (stealing

food) and eating less but using every nutrient of food, and changing his sleeping habits (burrowing in the snow)

• Survives attack of rabid huskies• Buck kills Spitz, proving he can survive the new standards of the Northland,

where mercy and fair play do NOT exist• Buck becomes lead dog

Trace Buck’s Development

• Sold by Perrault to Scotsman And worked long days, becomes over worked but survives

• Dreams of early man• Sold to Hal and Charles and Mercedes Charles and Hal,

survives physical ordeal, continues to dream• John saves Buck, waking in Buck a deep love for him• Buck finds his wild brother and runs at night with wolf• John killed by Yeehats• Buck kills Yeehat warriors in revenge, then lives as a

primitive beast, ruler of pack