Call of the Wild Chapter 5 Review Questions

Questions and Answers

Who purchases the sled-dog team from the Scotch half-breed?

Hal and Charles

Who is described as 'a middle-aged, lightish-colored man, with weak and watery eyes and a mustache that twisted fiercely and vigorously up'?

Charles

Who is described as 'a youngster between nineteen and twenty'?

Hal

Who is Charles' wife?

Mercedes Signup and view all the answers

Charles and Hal's camp is in what condition when Buck and the sled-dogs enter it?

Shipshod and slovenly, tent half stretched, unwashed dishes, with everything in disorder Signup and view all the answers

What advice do the men from the neighboring tent give to Charles, Hal, and Mercedes regarding their load on the dog sleds?

Leave the tent behind, the load is top-heavy, the dogs need rest, half the load and twice the dogs Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Hal gives for the team's inability to move the sled?

The dogs are lazy Signup and view all the answers

How does Mercedes react to Hal's treatment of the sled dogs?

She cries and implores Buck to pull harder to stop the whipping Signup and view all the answers

Why is fourteen dogs too many for a sled-dog team?

It is important to carry enough food on a sled for fourteen dogs Signup and view all the answers

Why does Buck feel that there is no depending on Hal, Charles, and Mercedes?

They do not know how to do anything and cannot learn Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hal begin to ration the dogs' food?

They have only completed a quarter of their journey and half of their food is gone Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mercedes cease to weep over the dogs?

She is too preoccupied with weeping over herself Signup and view all the answers

What is one thing Mercedes, Hal, and Charles are never too tired to do?

Quarrel Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mercedes unsuitable for life on the trail?

She is too soft and has been chivalrously treated all her life Signup and view all the answers

Hal trades his Colt revolver for:

Horsehide to feed the dogs Signup and view all the answers

What dogs survive long enough on the trip to arrive at John Thornton's camp?

Joe, Pike, Sol-leks, Teek, and Buck Signup and view all the answers

Why does John Thornton advise against continuing their journey to Dawson?

The ice has begun to melt and is unsafe Signup and view all the answers

What makes Buck refuse to obey Hal?

A sense of impending doom, absolute fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Who beats Buck for refusing to stand up and continue on the journey?

Hal Signup and view all the answers

Who intervenes to stop Buck's beating?

John Thornton Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Hal, Charles, and Mercedes when they continue their journey?

They fall through the ice and die Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sled-Dog Team and Characters

Hal and Charles purchase the sled-dog team from the Scotch half-breed.
Charles is characterized as a middle-aged man with weak eyes and a twisted mustache.
Hal is depicted as a young man between nineteen and twenty, showcasing a callow demeanor.
Mercedes is identified as Charles' wife.

Camp Condition and Advice

The camp of Charles and Hal is described as disorderly with unwashed dishes and a half-stretched tent.
Neighbors advise the trio to lighten their load for the sled, suggesting to ditch the tent, reduce the cargo, and rest the dogs.

Team Dynamics and Treatment of Dogs

Hal blames the dogs for laziness when the sled fails to move.
Mercedes reacts emotionally to Hal's harsh treatment of the sled dogs; she pleads with Buck to pull harder.

Challenges and Mismanagement

Carrying fourteen dogs is impractical as it requires substantial food supply.
Buck feels hopelessness about Hal, Charles, and Mercedes' capabilities, believing they cannot learn essential survival skills.
Hal starts rationing dog food after realizing they're a quarter into their journey but have consumed half their provisions.
Mercedes stops crying for the dogs, becoming absorbed in her own distress.

Personal Conflicts and Lifestyle Suitability

Hal, Charles, and Mercedes frequently quarrel, indicating a lack of cohesion.
Mercedes proves ill-suited for trail life due to her pampered upbringing.

Trade and Survival

Hal trades his Colt revolver for horsehide to sustain the dogs.
Only a few dogs, including Buck, survive long enough to reach John Thornton's camp.

Advice and Consequences

John Thornton warns against proceeding to Dawson due to unsafe melting ice conditions.
Buck’s refusal to obey Hal stems from a deep sense of impending doom and exhaustion.
Hal resorts to beating Buck for disobedience, but John Thornton intervenes.

Tragic Fate

Hal, Charles, and Mercedes meet their demise by falling through melting ice while attempting to continue their journey.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 5 from 'The Call of the Wild' with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on key characters and events, enhancing your understanding of the narrative. Perfect for students and fans of Jack London's classic novel.