The call of the wild

The Call of the Wild is a novel by American author Jack London, published in 1903 and set in Yukon, Canada, during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, when strong sled dogs were in high demand. The central character of the novel is a dog named Buck. The story opens at a ranch in Santa Clara Valley, California, when Buck is stolen from his home and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska. He becomes progressively more feral in the harsh environment, where he is forced to fight to survive and dominate other dogs.

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Buck, the dog in The Call of the Wild

Buck is owned by a succession of cruel and abusive masters, but he eventually finds a kindred spirit in John Thornton, a kind and gentle man who treats him with respect. Buck becomes fiercely loyal to Thornton, and the two of them form a close bond.

One day, Thornton is killed in an accident, and Buck is devastated. He returns to the wild, where he finally finds his true home. He becomes the leader of a pack of wolves, and he embraces the primitive life of the wild.

Themes

The Call of the Wild explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of wildness: London explores the nature of wildness, both in the natural world and in the human heart. Buck's journey is a journey from civilization to wildness, and he learns to embrace his wild side in order to survive.
• The relationship between humans and animals: London also explores the relationship between humans and animals. Buck's experiences with different owners show how humans can both abuse and love animals.
• The power of survival: The Call of the Wild is also a story about survival. Buck is forced to overcome many challenges in order to survive in the harsh wilderness. He learns to be resourceful, cunning, and brave.
• The importance of freedom: The Call of the Wild is also a story about the importance of freedom. Buck longs to be free from the constraints of civilization, and he finds true freedom in the wild.

Significance

The Call of the Wild is considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. It is a classic story about survival, freedom, and the relationship between humans and animals. The novel has been translated into more than 50 languages and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into numerous films and television shows.

The Call of the Wild remains a popular read today, and it is still studied in schools and universities around the world. It is a novel that has something to offer everyone, regardless of age or background.