The Call of the Wild Themes and Events

Questions and Answers

What drove Buck to attack Spitz?

Buck found his nest occupied by Spitz.

What did the starving huskies from the Indian Village do to the campsite?

Destroyed the campsite, then fought to get food.

During the fight, which sled dog from Buck's team acted 'treacherously' and what did he do?

Spitz attacked 'treacherously' from the side.

When Francois considers the possibility of one or more of his dogs turning 'mad' after the husky attack, what do you think he is referring to?

The possibility of one of the dogs turning mad would be a result of rabies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the husky attack damage Perrault and Francois' supplies?

They started eating leather from the moccasins and biting the end of the lash whip. Signup and view all the answers

What device does Perrault use to keep from falling completely through the ice while he walks?

A long pole-like stick was used. Signup and view all the answers

What has to be done every time one of the men or dogs falls through the ice?

Every time one broke through the ice, it was compelled to build a fire and they would run around it to get dry. Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with Buck's feet and how does Francois help him?

They become soft and Buck had a hard time walking. Francois cut his moccasins into 4 so Buck could wear them. Signup and view all the answers

Which does Dolly do when she turns mad from rabies? What does Francois do to stop it?

Dolly starts to run straight toward Buck to attack him, but Francois started running and took the ax down on Dolly's head. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic made Buck want to take Spitz's place as the leader?

Buck had primitively been waiting for the position. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 'breaking down of discipline' affect the dogs?

They started becoming more disciplined. Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'ecstasy' that drove Buck to keep chasing the rabbit?

To kill, the joy to kill and feel the warm flesh and blood. Signup and view all the answers

How does the final fight between Spitz and Buck start? How does it end?

Spitz bothers Buck by always being so needy; Spitz gives up. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buck vs. Spitz

Buck attacks Spitz after finding his nest occupied by him, showcasing territorial instincts.
Spitz displays treachery by attacking Buck from the side during a fight, demonstrating his cunning.

Starvation and Camp Destruction

Starving huskies from the Indian Village destroy the campsite while trying to get food, highlighting desperation among animals.

Rabies Concern

Francois worries about the possibility of a dog going mad due to rabies after the husky attack, indicating the threat posed to both dogs and men.

Damage to Supplies

Huskies damage Perrault and Francois' supplies by chewing on leather from moccasins and biting the lash whip, resulting in a loss of resources.

Ice Walking Precautions

Perrault uses a long pole to prevent falling completely through the ice, emphasizing safety measures in treacherous conditions.

Response to Ice Situations

When a dog or man falls through the ice, a fire must be built, and everyone runs around it to dry off, illustrating survival tactics in Arctic conditions.

Buck's Foot Problems

Buck’s feet become soft, making it difficult for him to walk; Francois helps by fashioning moccasins to better fit Buck’s feet.

Dolly's Rabies Attack

Dolly, driven mad by rabies, charges at Buck; Francois intervenes by using an axe to stop her, revealing the cruel realities of survival.

Buck's Leadership Instincts

Buck exhibits a primal desire to lead, feeling inherent competition for Spitz's position, illustrating instincts rooted in nature.

Discipline Among the Dogs

The "breaking down of discipline" among the dogs leads to increased discipline, suggesting a paradox where chaos may lead to a stricter hierarchy.

Killing Instinct

Buck experiences an "ecstasy" in the chase, motivated by the joy of killing and the thrill of blood, emphasizing his transformation into a wild creature.

Final Confrontation

The final fight between Buck and Spitz arises from Spitz's consistent neediness; Buck ultimately triumphs when Spitz gives up, marking a pivotal moment in Buck's journey.

Description

Explore the key themes and events in Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild'. This quiz covers instances of territorial instincts, survival challenges, and the dangers of the wilderness experienced by Buck and other dogs. Test your understanding of how these elements shape the narrative and characters in the story.