Characters
Setting and Context
Plot and Events
Themes and ideas
Catholic Connections
100

Who is Buck at the beginning vs. the end?

In the beginning Buck lived a great life, he lived in a big fancy house, but he didn't really know where his home truly was. But at the end he found where he belongs and that was his call to the wild.

100

What was the Klondike gold rush?

The Klondike gold rush was when people went to Alaska and Canada to look for gold even though it was extremely cold and dangerous. 

100

Why is Buck stolen?

Buck is stolen because he is a strong, big dog that can be sold for sled work during the gold rush.

100

What is "the law of club and fang"?

It means dogs survive by obeying humans and fighting other dogs when they have to.

100

What is true authority?

True authority is when someone is strong in what they do, and has wisdom. Like Buck have authority being a leader.

200

Who is Spitz and why is he a poor leader?

He is bad because he only thinks about himself, he isn't nice, or supportive. 

200

Why were the sled dogs so important?

They were important because they helped pull heavy sleds with lots of supplies that humans couldn't pull. 

200

What happens to Curly? 

curly is killed by a pack of huskies after she tries to be friendly. 

200

What does leadership mean in this novel?

It means being the strongest, smartest, and most loyal and respect in the pack.

200

How does Buck show responsibility?

He shows responsibility by taking care of the other dogs and taking the spot he deserves.  

300

Why is John Thornton important? 

He is important because he treats Buck how he should be treated and helps I'm find his true life.

300

How does the environment affect survival?

It was hard because the cold weather, lack of food, supplies, and rough conditions made it really hard to survive. 

300

How does Buck become leader?

When Buck and Spitzs gets into a fight at night Buck defeats him and in the morning when Spitzs doesn't come back they have no choice but to make him the leader. 

300

How does Buck learn wisdom? 

He learns wisdom from experience and paying attention to the people around him.

300

Where do we see justice?

We see justice when Buck defeats Spitzs and becomes the leader. It shows the smart and strong earn their place.

400

What role does Judge Miller play? 

Judge Miller is his first owner who treats him how he should be treated and makes sure he lives in a loving, comfortable home.

400

What dangers exist in the Yukon?

In the Yukon humans and dogs face extreme cold weather, dangerous wild animals, and lack of food.

400

Why does Buck refuse to pull the sled?

He refuses because Hal pushes the pack too hard and treats them badly and can't pull because he's being mean.

400

What is the "call of the wild"?

It is Buck finding his true home in the wilderness with the other wolf packs.

400

How does memory shape Bucks actions?

Buck's memories of his old help him at first to survive and learn. Until he follows his call to the wild.

500

Why does Hal, Charles, and Mercedes fail? 

They fail because they back way too much stuff to where the dogs can't pull their sled. Everyone tells them they will fall through the ice. They get mad and don't listen to everyone and end up falling through the ice.

500

Why is setting so crucial to the story?

The setting is crucial because the harsh conditions change people and dogs only if you are well prepared. 

500

What happens after Thornton's death?

Buck goes completely wild and joins the wolf pack in the Yukon. 

500

How does Buck's journey end?

His journey ends by leaving humans after Thornton dies and become a free wild dog.

500

How does Buck's journey relate to vocation?

Buck's journey relates to vocation because he discovers his true purpose in life. And to lead to the wild. Just like people are called to follow God's plan for us.