The Call of the Wild: Buck and John Thornton

Questions and Answers

How does Buck show devotion to John Thornton?

He saves him from rapids, saves him from black Burton, saves him money from winning a race, and loves him unconditionally.

How does John Thornton show devotion to Buck?

He saves Buck from Hal, takes care of him to get him healthy, saves him from jumping off a cliff, and loves him unconditionally.

How did Buck prove John Thornton's boast true?

Buck pulled the sled with 1,000 pounds for 100 yards and broke it out by himself.

How did Buck save John Thornton from the river?

Buck jumped in the river with a rope in his mouth, let the current carry him to John, and then pulled John to the bank. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Buck called more often from the forest?

Buck's primordial instincts were getting stronger as he heard the howls from the forest. Signup and view all the answers

What did John Thornton arouse in Buck?

John Thornton aroused love in Buck, which he never felt before. Signup and view all the answers

Why did John Thornton's friends leave him beside the river?

They left him because he had frozen feet and they wanted him to get well. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Buck follow John Thornton everywhere?

Buck followed John everywhere because he was afraid that John would leave like all of his other owners. Signup and view all the answers

How did Buck react to John Thornton's command to jump?

Buck jumped without hesitation when John told him to jump because he loves John. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Burton struck Thornton?

Buck attacked Burton and ripped his throat out to save John. Signup and view all the answers

How did Skeet care for Buck?

Skeet cared for Buck by washing and cleansing his wound. Signup and view all the answers

How did John and Buck express their love for each other?

John would take Buck's face into his hands, shake it while calling him ill names, and Buck would bite down on John's hand lightly. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the odds go from 2 to 1 and then to 3 to 1 against Buck?

The odds changed because the runners were frozen, and John couldn't help Buck break them out before running. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buck's Devotion to John Thornton

Buck saves John Thornton from drowning, demonstrating loyalty and bravery.
Showcases unconditional love by staying close to Thornton, fearing abandonment.
Reacts instinctively to John’s commands, including jumping without hesitation.

John Thornton's Care for Buck

John saves Buck from dangers, including Hal and jumping off a cliff, providing a protective bond.
Nurtures Buck back to health, highlighting the depth of their relationship and Thornton's compassion.
Engages in affectionate rituals, such as shaking Buck and playfully biting his hands.

Buck's Physical Strength

Buck proves Thornton's boast by pulling a sled weighing 1,000 pounds for 100 yards, showcasing exceptional strength and determination.
Attack on Burton illustrates Buck's fierce loyalty; Buck kills him after he strikes John, reinforcing the protective aspect of their bond.

Transformation and Instincts

Buck's primordial instincts are heightened by the sounds of the wild, signaling a deeper connection to his ancestral roots.
This transformation signifies Buck's dual nature, as he grapples with his domestic life and wild instincts.

Relationships and Loyalty

John Thornton's friends abandon him by the river due to his frozen feet, emphasizing the risks of wilderness survival.
Buck's constant following of John illustrates his fear of losing another beloved figure, reflecting his past experiences with other owners.

Odds and Competition

The odds against Buck worsen from 2 to 1 to 3 to 1 due to the conditions of other runners, impacting their performance and reflecting the harshness of their environment.

Description

This quiz explores the deep bond between Buck and John Thornton in Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild.' It highlights Buck's loyalty, physical strength, and transformation as he responds to Thornton's care and commands. Delve into the themes of devotion, protection, and the instinctual nature of Buck.