Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Matthewson bet that Buck cannot do?
What does Matthewson bet that Buck cannot do?
John Thornton pays off his debts with money he earns from the bet.
John Thornton pays off his debts with money he earns from the bet.
True
Who is Buck?
Who is Buck?
What does Buck begin to feel after reaching a valley full of gold?
What does Buck begin to feel after reaching a valley full of gold?
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Buck enjoys his life on Judge Miller's estate.
Buck enjoys his life on Judge Miller's estate.
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Buck shows affection to John Thornton by __________.
Buck shows affection to John Thornton by __________.
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What prompts Buck to start hunting his own food?
What prompts Buck to start hunting his own food?
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What event leads to Buck's abduction?
What event leads to Buck's abduction?
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What does Buck do when he hears the call from the wolf?
What does Buck do when he hears the call from the wolf?
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What does Buck first learn about in the North?
What does Buck first learn about in the North?
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Buck kills a bear and fishes for salmon in the river.
Buck kills a bear and fishes for salmon in the river.
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Who does Buck have a rivalry with?
Who does Buck have a rivalry with?
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Buck initially reacts to Spitz by showing his _____ when he finds Spitz in his food space.
Buck initially reacts to Spitz by showing his _____ when he finds Spitz in his food space.
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What happens when Buck approaches the camp after feeling a premonition of calamity?
What happens when Buck approaches the camp after feeling a premonition of calamity?
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Curly is killed by a single attack from a husky.
Curly is killed by a single attack from a husky.
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What does Buck do in response to finding his camp destroyed?
What does Buck do in response to finding his camp destroyed?
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Who saves Buck from Hal's cruelty?
Who saves Buck from Hal's cruelty?
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What ultimately happens to Buck after Thornton's death?
What ultimately happens to Buck after Thornton's death?
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How does Buck feel towards John Thornton?
How does Buck feel towards John Thornton?
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Years later, the Yeehats tell stories of a Ghost Dog that __________.
Years later, the Yeehats tell stories of a Ghost Dog that __________.
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Buck learns to respond to commands such as '_____' and 'mush'.
Buck learns to respond to commands such as '_____' and 'mush'.
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What does Buck ultimately do to Spitz?
What does Buck ultimately do to Spitz?
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Match the following characters to their descriptions:
Match the following characters to their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Into the Primitive
- Buck, a mix of St. Bernard and Scotch sheepdog, lives a privileged life in California's Santa Clara Valley, owned by Judge Miller.
- The year is 1897; the Klondike Gold Rush leads to increased demand for strong sled dogs.
- Manuel, a gardener, sells Buck out of desperation from his gambling debts. He lures Buck away and sells him to a stranger.
- Buck experiences captivity for the first time during a train journey, realizing his strength has failed him.
- He arrives in Seattle, where he has his first encounter with a man using a club, introducing him to the harsh new law of dominance.
The Law of Club and Fang
- Buck faces brutality in the North, witnessing the violent hierarchy among the dogs.
- Curly, Buck's companion, is killed in a vicious dog fight, teaching Buck the necessity of winning fights to survive.
- Buck learns to work as a sled dog under Francois, facing humbling experiences and adapting to the brutal conditions.
- The team grows as new dogs, Billee and Joe, join; each dog has distinct personalities affecting team dynamics.
- Buck begins to lose his old morals, embracing instincts inherited from his wild ancestors.
The Dominant Primordial Beast
- Buck increasingly relies on his primal instincts, avoiding fights yet feeling tension with Spitz, the lead dog.
- After an aggressive encounter with wild huskies, Buck is wounded but becomes more united with the team.
- The struggle for dominance between Buck and Spitz intensifies, with the atmosphere around them becoming more dangerous.
- A significant fight for leadership occurs when Buck defeats Spitz, asserting himself as the new leader of the team.
Who has won to Mastership
- Following Spitz's defeat, Buck takes his place as lead dog, showcasing his leadership and skills in the wild.
- New native huskies are added to the team, and Buck's leadership leads to record-breaking travel times.
- Perrault and Francois leave, and Buck begins to feel more connected to his wild instincts, often reminiscing about primitive times.
The Toil of Trace and Trail
- A new, incompetent team takes over, led by Hal, Charles, and Mercedes, leading to disastrous conditions for the dogs.
- Overburdened sleds and poor treatment from their new owners result in starvation and the death of several dogs.
- Buck's loyalty is tested as he endures harsh treatment, feeling a strong sense of foreboding about their fate.
- Thornton intervenes to save Buck from cruel treatment, marking a turning point in Buck's life.
For the Love of a Man
- Buck begins to recover under Thornton's care, forming a deep bond based on love and respect.
- Thornton treats Buck and the other dogs with compassion, drawing out Buck's loyalty and protective instincts.
- Buck saves Thornton from danger, earning him a strong reputation among the local mining community.
- Thornton eventually bets on Buck's strength, and Buck successfully pulls a heavy sled, further solidifying his status.
The Sounding of the Call
- Thornton's quest for gold leads him and Buck into the wilderness, where they find success panning for gold.
- Buck experiences a calling from his wild nature, feeling the urge to connect with his primal instincts.
- A transformative encounter with a timber wolf introduces Buck to the wild, balancing his loyalty to Thornton and his instinctual call.
- Buck begins to spend time alone, reconnecting with the wilderness, signaling a shift from domestication to embracing his ancestral roots.### Buck's Dual Identities
- Buck exists as both a sled dog in Thornton's camp and a wild hunter in the forest.
- Demonstrates survival skills by killing a bear and fishing for salmon, indicating adaptability.
- Acts on instinct during the fall by hunting moose, showcasing his primal nature.
Encounter with Death and Loss
- Risks four days to bring down a bull moose, highlighting tenacity and strength.
- Experiences a premonition of calamity as he returns to camp, illustrating an instinctual connection to his surroundings.
- Discovers the dying bodies of Thornton's dog Nig and another dog from Dawson, signs of impending tragedy.
Confrontation with the Yeehat Indians
- Finds Hans dead, surrounded by arrows, indicating the destruction faced by his camp.
- Recognizes Yeehat Indians celebrating, prompting a fierce response from Buck.
- Engages in violent defense, killing multiple Yeehats, showcasing his protective instincts and capacity for violence.
Mournful Transition
- Feels deep sorrow over the death of Thornton, emphasizing his bond with his master.
- Resolves to no longer fear men, unless they possess weapons, signifying a shift in his perception of humans.
- Responds to the call of the wild, indicating a pull towards a more primal existence.
Joining the Wolf Pack
- Encounters a wolf that initially attacks, yet Buck demonstrates strength by easily killing it.
- Gradually earns the trust of the remaining wolves, showcasing integration into the pack.
- His acceptance into the pack changes local perceptions among the Yeehats, who refer to him as the "Ghost Dog."
Legacy of the Ghost Dog
- Buck becomes a legendary figure among the local tribes, symbolizing a bridge between the wild and his past.
- Each year, he mourns Thornton by the stream, indicating ongoing loyalty and emotional depth.
- Represents a haunted valley linked to Thornton’s death, reinforcing themes of memory and loss.
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Description
Explore key summaries from 'Call of the Wild'. This quiz focuses on significant aspects of Buck's character and his life on Judge Miller's estate. Test your understanding of the themes and events that set the stage for Buck's transformative journey.
