The Call of the Wild Analysis

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why was Jim Thornton left behind by his friends?

He was left to recover from frozen feet.

What are the names of Jim Thornton's dogs?

Skeet and Nig.

How does Skeet care for Buck?

She licks Buck's wounds.

What does Buck feel toward Thornton?

Genuine love. Signup and view all the answers

How does Thornton express his love for Buck?

By rough embraces and murmured oaths. Signup and view all the answers

How does Buck show his love to Thornton?

He closes his mouth around Thornton's hand in a fake bite. Signup and view all the answers

What fear causes Buck to follow Thornton everywhere?

Buck's fear that Thornton will pass out of his life like his previous owners. Signup and view all the answers

What attribute does not exist in primordial life?

Mercy. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Peter and Hans?

Thornton's partners. Signup and view all the answers

How does Buck act toward Peter and Hans?

Buck tolerates them in a passive way. Signup and view all the answers

How does Buck react when Thornton commands him to jump off a cliff?

He jumps, but is caught by Thornton before falling over the edge. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Burton strikes Thornton in a bar fight?

Buck tears Burton's throat open with his teeth. Signup and view all the answers

Who rescues Thornton from the rapids on Forty Mile Creek?

Buck. Signup and view all the answers

What boast does Thornton make about Buck that leads to a bet with Matthewson?

Buck can start a thousand pound load, break it out, and walk off with it for a hundred yards. Signup and view all the answers

How much is Matthewson's bet?

$1,000. Signup and view all the answers

Who lends the money to Thornton to match Matthewson's bet?

John O'Brien. Signup and view all the answers

What does Thornton whisper to Buck to encourage him to win the bet?

"As you love me, Buck. As you love me." Signup and view all the answers

Who offers Thornton $1,200 for Buck?

The Skookum Bench king. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jim Thornton and his Circumstances

Jim Thornton was left behind by his friends to recover from frozen feet.
He owns two dogs named Skeet and Nig, who assist him.

Buck's Relationships and Emotions

Skeet cares for Buck by licking his wounds, showcasing her nurturing nature.
Buck feels genuine love for Thornton, a significant emotional bond.
Thornton expresses his affection for Buck through rough embraces and murmured oaths.
Buck reciprocates Thornton's love by pretending to bite Thornton's hand, indicating trust.

Fear and Loyalty

Buck follows Thornton everywhere due to the fear of losing him, akin to previous owners.

Attributes of Life

In primordial life, mercy is an absent attribute, emphasizing survival instincts.

Peter and Hans

Peter and Hans are Thornton’s partners, and Buck has a passive tolerance toward them.

Acts of Bravery

When commanded by Thornton, Buck jumps off a cliff, demonstrating trust and bravery, and is caught in time.
Buck fiercely defends Thornton during a bar fight, tearing Burton's throat open with his teeth.

Rescue and Loyalty Demonstrated

Buck heroically rescues Thornton from drowning in the rapids at Forty Mile Creek.

The Bet with Matthewson

Thornton boasts that Buck can start a thousand-pound load, break it out, and carry it for one hundred yards, prompting a bet.
The bet with Matthewson is valued at $1,000.
John O'Brien lends Thornton the money needed to match the bet against Matthewson.

Encouragement for Victory

Thornton whispers encouragement to Buck before the bet, saying, "As you love me, Buck. As you love me."

Additional Context

The Skookum Bench king offers Thornton $1,200 for Buck, showcasing Buck's value and reputation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the themes and character relationships in 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It focuses on Jim Thornton and the emotional bond between him and Buck, as well as exploring elements of loyalty, fear, and bravery. Test your understanding of the characters and their development throughout the story.