toil
hard and continuous work; exhausting labor or effort; a laborious task.
solitary
alone; without companions; unattended; living alone; avoiding the society of others
Where does Buck live at the beginning of the story?
Buck lives on Judge Miller’s estate in the Santa Clara Valley in California.
imperious
having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them
deft
dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever
What kid of dog is Buck?
Buck is a large, powerful dog—part St. Bernard and part Scotch shepherd.
sate
to satisfy (any appetite or desire) fully; to fill to excess
calamity
a great misfortune or disaster, as a flood or serious injury; grievous affliction; adversity; misery
Who kidnaps Buck?
The gardener’s helper, Manuel, kidnaps Buck by luring him away and selling him to pay off his gambling debts.
trifle
1. an article or thing of very little value 2. a matter, affair, or circumstance of little importance or significance.
retaliate
to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly: to get revenge against someone
Why is there a high demand for strong dogs like Buck?
During the Klondike Gold Rush, people needed large, strong dogs to pull sleds in the Yukon.
pamper
to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness, or care
docile
easily managed or handled; tractable: readily trained or taught; teachable.
How is Buck treated during his journey North?
Buck is kept in a cage, starved, and roughly handled by strangers.
What important lesson does Buck learn from the man with the club?
Buck learns the “law of club,” meaning that a man with a club must be obeyed.
How does the first chapter show Buck's life changing?
Buck goes from a comfortable, pampered life to being stolen, abused, and forced to submit to harsh conditions.
What is the title of Chapter 1, and what does it suggest about the story’s theme?
The title is “Into the Primitive,” suggesting Buck’s journey from civilization into a harsher, more primal world.