Questions and Answers
Who is Buck?
Saint Bernard-Shepard mix, lived very well in the Santa Clara Valley, California until he was kidnapped, hates Spitz ever since he laughed at them killing Curly, kills Spitz.
Who is Judge Miller?
The owner of Buck and a large beautiful property that Buck used to call home until he was kidnapped.
Who is Manuel?
Landscaper with a gambling problem who kidnapped and sold Buck to pay his gambling debts.
Who is the Man in the Red Sweater?
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Who is Francois?
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Who is Perrault?
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Who is Curly?
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Who is Spitz?
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Who is Dave?
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Who is Billee?
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Who is Joe?
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Who is Sol Leks?
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What did Pike teach Buck?
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Who is Dub?
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Who is Dolly?
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Where is the first setting of the story?
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Where is the second setting of the story?
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What does 'The Law of the Club and the Fang' mean?
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Why wouldn't Buck get into his old sled harness?
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How did Buck behave as the lead dog?
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Why was Buck worth a thousand dollars?
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Why was the 14-day trip a record run?
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Why didn't Buck like the mail run?
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Who took over the team after Perrault and Francois?
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Why did Buck like laying by the fire?
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Who was the 'Hairy man' in the other world?
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Why did snow slow the trip?
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What was wrong with Dave most of the 1800 mile trip?
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How did Dave die?
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Describe the bad state of the team when they reach Skagway.
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Why didn't Buck get a rest after the run?
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Why shouldn't they take the tent on the trip?
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Why couldn't the dogs pull the sled?
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Why was 14 dogs too many?
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Were Mercedes, Charles, and Hal kind to one another?
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Why did Mercedes get to ride on the sled?
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What does it mean to say the dogs were a 'bag of bones'?
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Why did Thornton say not to go to Dawson?
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Why didn't Buck lead the family's dog sled?
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What finally happened to the family?
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Study Notes
Main Characters
- Buck: A Saint Bernard-Shepherd mix, lives luxuriously in California until kidnapped. Develops a deep-seated hatred for Spitz after witnessing the death of Curly.
- Judge Miller: Buck's original owner, providing a comfortable life on a large property in Santa Clara Valley.
- Manuel: Buck's landscaper who sells him to settle gambling debts.
- The Man in the Red Sweater: Introduces Buck to "The Law of the Club and the Fang."
Supporting Characters
- Francois: Sled driver and assistant to Perrault.
- Perrault: French-Canadian government courier who purchases Buck.
- Curly: A Newfoundlander who is killed by Huskies due to her good-natured approach.
- Spitz: The original leader of the dog team, rivals with Buck and eventually killed by him.
Other Dogs
- Dave: Supportive and wise dog, eventually succumbs to sickness.
- Billee: Good-natured Husky, often emotional; brother to Joe.
- Joe: Meaner brother of Billee, assists in teaching Buck to pull sleds.
- Sol Leks: Old and temperamental dog, has battle scars and is blind in one eye.
- Pike: Resourceful dog who teaches Buck to steal food.
- Dub: Inefficient thief who often gets caught.
- Dolly: Goes mad and attacks Buck; killed by Francois.
Settings
- First Setting: Santa Clara Valley, California, symbolizes Buck's original life of comfort.
- Second Setting: Yukon Territory, Klondike, represents the harsh new environment Buck must adapt to.
Key Themes and Concepts
- The Law of the Club and the Fang: A brutal lesson in survival where showing teeth to humans leads to punishment.
- Leadership Dynamics: Buck's initial reluctance to wear a sled harness stems from his desire to be a lead dog; eventually, he proves his superiority.
Events
- Record Run: A 14-day trip covering 40 miles a day, demonstrating Buck's strength and capability.
- Team's Condition at Skagway: Dogs arrive limping, with significant weight loss and exhaustion.
- Dave's Death: Represents the sacrifices made by the dogs in harsh conditions; he is shot after falling ill.
- Final Fates: The family of Mercedes, Charles, and Hal ultimately face tragedy when the trail collapses beneath them.
Issues Faced
- Fatigue and Starvation: The team struggles with pulling heavy sleds in unfavorable conditions, leading to them being described as a "bag of bones."
- Internal Conflicts: Mercedes, Charles, and Hal often quarrel, undermining their effectiveness as a team.
- Decision to Not Carry Tents: Overloading the sled contributes to the team's struggles and lessens their chances of survival.
- Unsafe Ice Warning: Thornton cautions against traveling to Dawson due to the hazardous conditions, highlighting the dangers of the environment.
Character Relationships
- Buck and Spitz: Dynamic of rivalry, ultimately results in Buck taking leadership after defeating Spitz.
- Mercedes’ Special Treatment: Reflects gender norms of the time, as she insists on riding the sled while the dogs suffer.
Symbolism
- Neanderthal Reference: The "Hairy man" represents primal instincts and the savagery that challenges Buck’s civilized upbringing.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the main and supporting characters from Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild'. This quiz covers Buck's journey, his rivals, and the other significant dogs in his life. See how well you understand the dynamics between these characters in the harsh wilderness.