The Call of the Wild Chapter 3 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the title of this chapter (The Dominant Primordial Beast) helps reinforce the idea of ancestral memories.

The title emphasizes Buck's instinctual behavior and connection to his ancestors.

What caused the fight between Buck and Spitz? What interrupted the fight?

Spitz was laying in Buck's nest which made Buck angry, and they were interrupted by a group of dogs trying to steal food.

Why do you suppose Francois encouraged Buck to fight Spitz?

Francois believed Buck had a good reason to fight and might have wanted to bolster Buck's confidence.

Summarize the battle with the huskies.

The battle was gruesome, and the team struggled but ultimately the huskies ate all the food and ran away. Signup and view all the answers

After the fight, what is Francois worried about?

Francois is worried that the huskies could have given their dogs rabies. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the last four hundred miles of trail the most difficult? Explain.

It is difficult because they have to travel across icy rivers. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what happened to Dolly.

Dolly had rabies, so Francois chopped her head off with an axe. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Spitz receive his biggest beating so far from Francois? Explain.

Spitz started a fight with Buck by biting his head. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a fight to the death imminent for Spitz and Buck? Which sides are Francois and Perrault on?

Buck and Spitz both want to be the dominant leader; Francois likes Buck while Perrault likes Spitz. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Buck threatens Spitz's leadership.

Buck stands up for the other dogs, challenging Spitz's authority. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss what caused the final battle between Buck and Spitz.

The final battle was caused when Spitz killed a rabbit that Buck was trying to kill. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Buck used his imagination and intelligence to beat Spitz.

Buck tricked Spitz by pretending to attack him in one way but attacking him in another. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what the author is trying to show with the imagery in this line: 'The dark circle became a dot on the moon flooded snow as Spitz disappeared from view.'

The imagery illustrates the end of Spitz's dominance and the darkness of his fate. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the last sentence of this chapter: 'Buck stood and looked on, the successful champion, the dominant primordial beast who had made his kill and found it good.'

Buck feels proud because he killed Spitz. Signup and view all the answers

What main theme of this novel has emerged?

You have to work hard and survive to get what you want. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Spitz think that he could mess with and fight Buck?

Spitz thought Buck never fought back. Signup and view all the answers

Who almost drowned in this chapter?

Perrault almost drowned if it weren't for the pole. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Dominant Primordial Beast

Title emphasizes Buck's growing instinct and primal nature as he fights Spitz.
Represents ancestral memories and the struggle for dominance among wild animals.

Fight Between Buck and Spitz

Buck's anger ignited when Spitz took over his nest, leading to their confrontation.
A group of starving huskies interrupted and disrupted their fight.

Francois' Support for Buck

Francois believes Buck has a justified reason to confront Spitz and encourages him.
Highlights the competitive atmosphere among the sled dogs.

Battle with the Huskies

The conflict with the huskies was brutal, resulting in the loss of the team's food supply.
The huskies managed to overpower and flee with the food, causing distress.

Francois' Concerns

Post-battle, Francois fears that the huskies might have transmitted rabies to their dogs.
Reflects the dangers faced on the trail and the health risks involved.

Difficulty of the Last Trail Segment

The final 400 miles are particularly challenging due to treacherous icy rivers.
Testing the endurance and strength of both the dogs and the drivers.

Dolly's Fate

Dolly was found to be rabid, leading Francois to make a grave decision to euthanize her.
Illustrates the harsh realities and quick decisions in survival situations.

Spitz vs. Buck's Confrontation

Spitz initiated aggression by biting Buck's head, escalating tensions.
This act led Francois to intervene and discipline Spitz, marking a turning point.

Imminent Fight for Leadership

Buck and Spitz are vying for dominance; Francois supports Buck while Perrault backs Spitz.
The rivalry heightens, foreshadowing a fatal showdown.

Buck's Leadership Threat

Buck begins to assert himself by defending other dogs, undermining Spitz's authority.
This signifies Buck's growth and shift in the pack hierarchy.

Final Confrontation

The culmination of their rivalry occurs when Buck retaliates against Spitz after being provoked by the killing of a rabbit.
Buck’s determination finally leads to his victory over Spitz.

Buck's Strategy in Combat

Buck cleverly deceives Spitz by feigning an attack, which utilizes his wit and intelligence.
This tactic exemplifies Buck's evolution beyond mere brute strength.

Imagery of Spitz's Demise

The line depicts Spitz's defeat artistically as he is surrounded and consumed by the other dogs.
Symbolizes the brutal reality of the wild and the hierarchy within the pack.

Buck's Pride

Buck feels a sense of achievement after killing Spitz, reinforcing his dominant position.
Highlights his transformation into a natural leader and primal hunter.

Main Theme of Survival

A recurring theme is the necessity of hard work and resilience to achieve goals in a harsh environment.
Reflects the continuous struggle for survival and dominance in the wild.

Spitz's Misjudgment

Spitz underestimated Buck, thinking he could bully him due to his initial reluctance to fight.
This miscalculation ultimately leads to Spitz's downfall.

Near-Drowning Incident

Perrault almost drowned while navigating the treacherous conditions, saved only by a pole.
Emphasizes the perilous circumstances faced by those traversing the unforgiving wilderness.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 3 of 'The Call of the Wild'. This quiz focuses on key concepts, character interactions, and themes presented in the chapter. Understand how Buck's instincts and ancestral memories play a crucial role in the story.