The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild features many supporting dogs. Choose two of your favorites. Then, using direct quotes from the text, describe each dog’s unique characteristics. How does each supporting dog’s character arc contribute to London’s themes on survival?

Perrault and François push Buck and the other dogs hard, as do Hal and Charles. Why were Perrault and François successful, whereas Hal and Charles failed? Use direct quotes in your paper.

How does Buck learn the ways of being a good sled dog? Later in the story, what makes him an effective leader? How does his personal growth affect him, and others?

What is the Law of Club and Fang? How does Buck first learn about this law, and how does he come to abide by it?

What is the Toil of Trace and Trail? What characters adhere to this toil, and what characters fail to meet the challenge?

How does Buck feel each time he hears the call of the wild? When he finally abandons his domesticated past, is he happier? What, if anything, does he miss?

Using direct citations, explain how London uses descriptive prose about nature to develop his themes on life and death.

Why does Buck come to love John Thornton more than any other human? What message is London giving the reader about animal and human kinship through their relationship?