Call of the Wild: Chapters 1-4 Review

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Questions and Answers

What happened to Buck after he left Judge Miller's ranch?

He was sold by Francois and Perrault and got on a ship to the Yukon. (correct)

He was stolen by Manuel, the dishonest gardener. (correct)

He got thrown in a crate by a bar keeper. (correct)

The man in the red sweater taught him about the club. (correct)

How did Buck change from Santa Clara Valley to Seattle?

From domesticated dog to red-eyed devil.

How did Buck end up in the Yukon?

The Gold Rush.

What were the traveling conditions like for Buck?

Rough - was starved, beaten, and abused; good on Narwhal. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two contrasting settings in this book?

Santa Clara Valley and the Yukon. Signup and view all the answers

What happened after Curly was attacked?

A group of dogs circled her and attacked her. Signup and view all the answers

What did Buck learn how to do from Pike?

How to steal food from humans without feeling guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Buck think about his ancestors?

He feels more like them and starts to remember them. Signup and view all the answers

Who attacks Curly and who is happy about this?

A pack of huskies and Spitz is happy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Buck learn about fair play?

That stealing leads to being beaten for doing something wrong. Signup and view all the answers

How does Buck's relationship with Francois and Perrault change?

They respect him and he respects them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Buck hate Spitz?

Because Spitz is a bully who attacked Buck and laughed at Curly's death. Signup and view all the answers

How does Perrault show he is experienced in his job?

He walks with a stick through the ice and knows about fire walks. Signup and view all the answers

What does Buck show when he defeats Spitz?

His cunningness and fierceness. Signup and view all the answers

Who broke through the ice on the 30-mile river?

The whole dog team except for Buck and Dave. Signup and view all the answers

Who was punished after Dolly was killed?

Spitz for attacking Buck. Signup and view all the answers

Who was not cooperating with the team and what happened?

Buck, but the rest of the team stopped following Spitz. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Scotch half breed allow Dave in the traces?

Because Dave chewed through the rope in front of the sled. Signup and view all the answers

Who took Spitz's job as leader?

Buck. Signup and view all the answers

Did Buck fear the club of Francois?

False Signup and view all the answers

What did Francois think about Buck's leadership?

He does a good job. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with Dave?

They had to take him away and shot him. Signup and view all the answers

What is Buck?

Part Scotch Shepherd, part St. Bernard, main character in the story. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Spitz?

A treacherously friendly, under-pawed, white dog. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Perrault?

A French Canadian who buys Buck and speaks broken English. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Francois?

A swarthy French Canadian man who teams with Perrault. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Judge Miller?

Buck's original owner who gives him a domesticated life. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Manuel?

The gardener's helper who stole Buck to pay his gambling debt. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Curly?

A good-natured Newfoundland bought by Perrault. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dave?

An experienced dog that wants to eat, sleep, and be left alone. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Sol-leks?

The angry one with a blind eye who wants to eat, sleep, and be left alone. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Billee?

A good-natured dog who taught Buck how to sleep in the snow. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buck's Transformation

Buck is kidnapped from Judge Miller's ranch, shipped in a crate, and sold to become a sled dog.
Transitions from a domesticated pet to a savage, mistrustful creature in the harsh environment of the Yukon.

Journey to the Yukon

Buck travels to the Yukon during the Gold Rush to join Francois and Perrault, who serve as governor’s couriers.
Experiences brutal conditions while traveling; starved and abused for days before reaching the ship Narwhal, which offers better treatment.

Key Settings

Contrasts between Santa Clara Valley's comfort and the brutal wilderness of the Yukon highlight Buck's dramatic transformation.

Animal Relations

Curly is attacked and killed by a pack of huskies, leading Buck to understand the dangers of the wild.
Buck learns survival skills from other dogs, specifically how to steal food, highlighting his internal conflict between morality and survival.

Ancestors and Instincts

Buck begins to reconnect with his ancestral instincts, feeling empowered and more primal as he recalls his lineage.

Rivalry and Leadership

Buck’s rivalry with Spitz escalates; Spitz embodies bullying traits and mocks weakness, including Curly’s death.
Buck’s cunning and eventual defeat of Spitz signals his rise to leadership within the sled dog team, earning respect from Francois and Perrault.

Team Dynamics

Dave's pride leads him to remain in the traces despite injuries, showcasing the bond between team members.
Buck's leadership replaces Spitz, earning the team's approval and demonstrating his adaptation to the wilderness.

Relationships and Respect

Buck earns respect from Francois and Perrault through his adaptability and growing skills; they provide him with booties for protection.
Buck grows more concerned about leadership and survival rather than fearing the club used to discipline the dogs.

Notable Characters

Buck: Main character, represents strength and adaptability, part Scotch Shepherd and part St. Bernard.
Spitz: Antagonistic lead dog, represents challenges of survival in the wild.
Francois and Perrault: French Canadian sled drivers who provide Buck with guidance and respect.
Judge Miller: Buck’s original owner, representing a bygone era of comfort and safety.
Manuel: Kidnapped Buck for gambling debts, symbolizing betrayal.
Curly: Good-natured dog whose death serves as a harsh lesson for Buck.
Dave: Experienced and solitary, he values his own needs in the team.
Sol-leks: Blind dog known for his anger and desire for solitude.
Billee: Friendly dog that helps educate Buck about survival in the wilderness.

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Description

Test your understanding of the first four chapters of 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. This quiz covers key events and character transformations that Buck experiences after leaving Judge Miller's ranch. Engage with flashcards to enhance your comprehension of this classic tale of survival and change.