Call of the Wild Chapter 5 Flashcards

Chapter 5: Call of the Wild Study Notes

The chapter title reflects the difficult journey faced by Buck and his team as they navigate a challenging trail.
Upon returning to Skaguay, Buck's team is sold off cheaply to new owners, demonstrating the harsh realities of the dog-sledding environment.
The new owners exhibit cruel behaviors, adding tension and conflict for Buck and his team.
Initial failure to pull the sled is due to the sled’s runners being stuck in ice, highlighting the challenging conditions.
Buck and the team continue to run despite losing half their load, driven by the urgency to reach their destination and the adrenaline boost.
Townspeople advise the new owners to split the load and increase the number of dogs to improve travel speed, hinting at their inexperience.
Buck distrusts his new owners and the additional dogs, instinctively sensing danger in the unfamiliar environment.
The owners mismanage food supplies, packing insufficient provisions, which leads to a dangerous situation for the dogs.
The sled’s weight increases significantly due to the addition of the ladies' luggage, compounding the team’s struggles.
At Five Fingers, the team faces mockery from onlookers, indicating their poor state and the owners' incompetence.
Weather conditions are described as icy, cold, and slippery, creating a treacherous setting that threatens the safety of the team.
John Thornton advises the new owners to lighten the load on the dogs, but his advice goes unheeded, worsening their predicament.
Buck senses an overwhelming numbness that prompts him to halt, while John Thornton intervenes, causing distress among the dogs.
The sled team ultimately suffers a severe mishap, falling into snow and freezing water, showcasing the dangers they face.
Buck’s relationship with John Thornton begins to blossom when Thornton saves him, prompting Buck to express affection by licking his hands, foreshadowing a deep bond.