Dogs
Who is the main character of "The Call of the Wild"?
Buck
What event causes Buck to leave his comfortable home in California?
He is sold and taken to the Klondike for the gold rush.
Who is Judge Miller?
Buck's first owner in California.
What is a major theme in "The Call of the Wild"?
Survival of the fittest.
What does "the call" symbolize in the novel?
Buck's connection to nature and his wild instincts.
What type of dog is Buck?
St. Bernard & Scottish Shepherd mix
After which event does Buck learn the law of the club?
When the Man in the Red Sweater beats him into submission.
What is one of the first clues that Hal, Charles, and Mercedes will be terrible masters?
Answers vary.
They have too much equipment and don't know to pack it properly.
Have no understanding of dog sledding.
Stubborn and unwilling to accept advice.
How does the theme of loyalty manifest in the story?
Through Buck's loyalty to John Thornton.
When does Buck first hear "the call"?
The timber wolf is howling and Buck feels the urge to join them.
Which dog is attacked by huskies after trying to be friendly?
Curly.
What happens during the fight between Buck and Spitz?
Buck defeats Spitz and becomes the leader of the pack.
What is Perrault's job that requires him to travel by dog sled?
He is a courier (mailman) for the Canadian government.
What does the story suggest about the relationship between humans and nature?
Humans can be both nurturing and destructive towards nature.
What does Buck ultimately do in response to "the call"?
He answers the call by joining a wolf pack.
Name the dog that becomes Buck's rival and is known for his fierce nature.
Spitz
What tragic event occurs when Buck's team is led by Hal? Multiple answers may be correct!
The team is poorly managed and ends up falling through the ice.
Describe how Buck’s relationship with John Thornton is different than any other owner he's had.
Answers vary.
The first time he's loved an owner; They interact with friendliness and play games; John speaks to him with love.
How does Buck's journey reflect the theme of transformation?
Buck transforms from a domesticated pet to a wild creature.
How does the call reflect Buck’s inner struggles?
It shows his conflict between domesticity and wildness.
Describe the events that lead to Dave's death. Be specific!
He becomes sick during the mail run with the Scotsman.
They can't determine what the issue is with him and take him out of the traces to let him rest.
Dave demands to continue pulling, but one morning is unable to get up.
The Scotsman pulls the team out of view and then puts Dave down so he won't suffer.
How does Buck respond to the call of the wild at the end of the story?
He embraces his true nature and becomes a wild wolf.
List ALL of Buck's owners in the order of when he meets them!
1. Judge Miller
2. Perrault and Francois
3. The Scotsman/Scotch Half-breed
4. Hal, Charles, and Mercedes
5. John Thornton
What role does instinct play in Buck's development throughout the novel?
Instinct guides Buck in learning to survive and thrive in the wild.
Describe the moment Buck fully embraces "the call."
When he leads the pack and answers the call of the wild by becoming one with nature.