The Call of the Wild Analysis

Questions and Answers

Why wouldn't Buck get into his old sled harness?

He wanted to be the lead.

How did Buck behave as lead dog?

He was superior, took the lead, and got the other dogs to work as a united team.

Why was the 14-day trip a record run?

They made 40 miles a day.

Why did Buck like laying by the fire?

He liked dreaming. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the hairy man in the other world in Buck's dream?

A primitive Neanderthal. Signup and view all the answers

Why did new snow slow the trip?

It made pulling the sled heavier and harder. Packed snow is easier to glide over. Signup and view all the answers

What was wrong with Dave most of the trip?

He was in pain and unable to pull the sled. He was heart-broken to not be able to work in his usual place. Signup and view all the answers

Which dog was first chosen to be lead dog after the death of Spitz?

Sol-leks. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a 'soft trail' and why it is a problem for the sled team.

A 'soft trail' is one covered with fresh snow that is not packed down. It makes greater friction on the sled runners and causes heavier pulling for the dogs. Signup and view all the answers

Each night, who ate first - the drivers or the sled dogs?

The sled dogs ate first. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buck's Leadership and Behavior

Buck refused to wear his old sled harness because he aspired to be the lead dog.
As lead dog, Buck demonstrated superiority, rallying the other dogs to operate cohesively as a team.

Record Runs and Challenges

The team achieved a record run on a 14-day trip, averaging an impressive 40 miles per day.
New snow during the journey hindered progress due to increased weight making it harder to pull the sled; packed snow allows for easier gliding.

Dreaming and Primal Instincts

Buck enjoyed lying by the fire as it provided him with time to dream and reminisce.
In his dreams, he envisioned the "hairy man," representing a primitive Neanderthal, symbolizing his primal instincts.

Team Dynamics and Disruption

Throughout most of the trip, the dog Dave experienced significant pain and was unable to function, causing dissatisfaction as he could not fulfill his role.
Following Spitz's death, Sol-leks was selected as the new lead dog, indicating a shift in team hierarchy.

Trail Conditions and Food Hierarchy

A "soft trail" refers to fresh, unpacked snow that creates friction and challenges for the sled team by making pulling more strenuous.
Each night, sled dogs were given the priority to eat before the drivers, highlighting the care and hierarchy established within the sled team.

Description

This quiz delves into key themes and character developments in 'The Call of the Wild'. Explore Buck's leadership, his dreams, and the dynamics within his team during challenging journeys. Assess your understanding of Buck's evolution in the context of primal instincts and teamwork.