The Call of the Wild

About This Book

"The Call of the Wild" follows the extraordinary journey of Buck, a powerful and comfortable dog living on a sunny estate in California. His peaceful life is shattered when he is stolen and sold to be used as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush. Suddenly thrust into a brutal, freezing, and unforgiving environment, Buck must rely on his instincts to survive. As Buck travels deeper into the treacherous Yukon Territory, he faces fierce rivalries with other sled dogs, harsh human masters, and the relentless forces of nature. The story explores his transformation from a civilized pet into a resilient survivor who feels an ancient, primal calling drawing him toward the wilderness.

This classic novel offers a gripping adventure that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the deep connection between animals and the natural world. It challenges readers to consider what happens when civilization is stripped away and primal instincts take over, all told through the unique and compelling perspective of a dog.

Meet the Characters

Buck

the protagonist, a large and powerful St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix

Buck is a strong and pampered dog who lives a comfortable life on a large estate in sunny California. He is proud, intelligent, and completely unaware of the harsh world outside his peaceful home.

John Thornton

a kind and experienced gold prospector

John Thornton is an experienced frontiersman who understands the harsh reality of the Yukon but maintains a compassionate heart. He respects animals and treats them with kindness rather than cruelty.

Francois

a skilled French-Canadian dog driver

Francois is a professional sled driver who works for the Canadian government delivering mail across the frozen north. He is a strict but fair master who expects hard work from his dogs but understands their needs.

Spitz

the lead sled dog and Buck's primary rival

Spitz is an experienced and ruthless sled dog who has survived the Yukon by being dominant and unforgiving. He is the alpha dog of the team and quickly views any new, strong dog as a threat to his position.

Pre-Reading Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever had an experience that forced you to adapt quickly to a completely new environment?
2. What do you think is the difference between living in a "civilized" world versus the wild?
3. How much do you rely on your instincts versus things you have been taught?
4. What qualities are most important when trying to survive in a harsh and unforgiving place?
5. Do you believe animals experience emotions and thoughts similar to humans? Why or why not?

Themes & Big Ideas to Track

• The struggle for survival and the "law of club and fang."
• The conflict between civilization and the natural world.
• The power of instinct and ancestral memory.
• The varying relationships between humans and animals, ranging from cruel to deeply loving.
• The idea of mastery and what it means to be a leader.

Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide

Chapter 1: Into the Primitive

Before you read — think about:

1. How does a comfortable, easy life affect a person's (or animal's) ability to handle hardship?
2. Have you ever trusted someone who ended up betraying you? How did it feel?
3. Why is it difficult to adapt to rules that are completely different from what you know?
4. What does it mean to have "pride"? Can pride be a weakness?
5. How do you think an animal processes sudden, traumatic changes in its environment?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Buck is treated by different humans he encounters.
• Buck's initial attitude toward his kidnapping and captors.
• The significance of the "man in the red sweater" and his weapon.
• The first time Buck sees snow and his reaction to it.
• The difference between Buck's life in California and his new reality.

Vocabulary to know:

brumal (adjective) — Wintry, cold, or relating to winter.; ferine (adjective) — Wild, untamed, or savage.; demesne (noun) — A large estate or territory ruled over by a master.; populous (adjective) — Crowded with inhabitants or heavily populated.; obscurely (adverb) — In an inconspicuous, hidden, or unnoticeable way.; imperiously (adverb) — In a commanding, arrogant, or domineering manner.; sated (adjective) — Completely full and satisfied, especially from food or comfort.; egotistical (adjective) — Excessively proud of oneself and self-centered.; insular (adjective) — Isolated or narrow-minded due to living in a self-contained world.; progeny (noun) — Children, offspring, or descendants.; treachery (noun) — An act of betrayal, disloyalty, or deceit.; unwonted (adjective) — Unusual, unfamiliar, or out of the ordinary.; intimate (verb) — To hint, imply, or communicate something subtly.; futilely (adverb) — Pointlessly or uselessly, achieving no result.; lacerated (adjective) — Deeply cut, torn, or mangled.; impending (adjective) — About to happen; looming or approaching soon.; calamity (noun) — A major disaster, tragedy, or sudden misfortune.; unkempt (adjective) — Messy, untidy, or uncombed in appearance.; retaliated (verb) — Struck back or responded in kind to an attack.; metamorphosed (verb) — Transformed completely in appearance, character, or nature.; surcharged (adjective) — Filled to overflowing with emotion, energy, or power.; exquisite (adjective) — Extremely sharp, intense, or severe in feeling or pain.; soliloquized (verb) — Spoke thoughts aloud to oneself while alone.; consignment (noun) — A batch of goods or animals delivered for shipment or trade.; ruction (noun) — A noisy disturbance, fight, or violent quarrel.; primitive (adjective) — Belonging to an ancient, wild, or unsophisticated state of nature.; latent (adjective) — Hidden, dormant, or present but not yet visible or active.; docilely (adverb) — Submissively, quietly, and easily managed.; conciliate (verb) — To soothe, appease, or win over someone through peaceful action.; uncouth (adjective) — Crude, unrefined, or lacking good manners.; swarthy (adjective) — Having a dark or sun-tanned skin complexion.; morose (adjective) — Gloomy, sullen, and bad-tempered.; incurious (adjective) — Lacking interest or curiosity; indifferent.; pervaded (verb) — Spread throughout every part of a space or atmosphere.; paddocks (noun) — Enclosed fields or pastures where animals are kept.; boded (verb) — Served as a sign or omen of a particular future result.; fawned (verb) — Behaved with exaggerated affection or servility to gain favor.; weazened (adjective) — Withered, shriveled, or wrinkled with age.; despatches (noun) — Official written messages or reports sent with speed..

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Chapter 2: The Law of Club and Fang

Before you read — think about:

1. If you were suddenly dropped into a wilderness survival situation, what would be the hardest thing to get used to?
2. Is it ever acceptable to steal if your life depends on it?
3. How do you learn the "rules" of a new place when no one explains them to you?
4. Why is it important to learn from the mistakes of others?
5. Can an animal forget its training and return to its wild instincts?

Watch for these while reading:

• The shocking event involving Curly and how the other dogs react.
• Spitz's behavior toward Buck and the other dogs.
• How Buck solves the problem of staying warm at night.
• The changing moral code Buck adopts regarding food.
• The concept of "ancestral memory" beginning to awaken in Buck.

Vocabulary to know:

primordial (adjective) — existing from the earliest times; ancient, wild, and untamed; imperative (adjective) — absolutely necessary; urgent and requiring immediate attention; vicarious (adjective) — experienced through watching or reading about another person's actions rather than doing them yourself; combatants (noun) — people or animals involved in a fight or battle; antagonist (noun) — an opponent or enemy in a conflict or struggle; assailants (noun) — attackers who launch a physical assault; draught (adjective) — used for pulling heavy loads, such as a cart or sled; tuition (noun) — teaching, instruction, or guidance; introspective (adjective) — quiet and thoughtful, often examining one's own feelings and thoughts; perpetual (adjective) — continuing forever without stopping; constant; malignant (adjective) — evil, harmful, or filled with intense malice; appeasement (noun) — the act of giving in to demands in order to avoid conflict or bring peace; writhing (adjective) — twisting and squirming in pain, anger, or discomfort; diabolically (adverb) — wickedly or devilishly; in a cruel and clever way; incarnation (noun) — the living embodiment or physical form of a specific quality or idea; belligerent (adjective) — hostile, aggressive, and eager to start a fight; discomfiture (noun) — a feeling of embarrassment, unease, or confusion; prowess (noun) — extraordinary skill, courage, or ability in a specific activity; indiscretion (noun) — an unwise or careless act showing poor judgment; consternation (noun) — a sudden feeling of anxiety, dismay, or confusion caused by something unexpected; ignominiously (adverb) — shamefully, embarrassingly, or in a way that causes a loss of dignity; disconsolate (adjective) — extremely unhappy, gloomy, and unable to be comforted; unmolested (adjective) — left alone without being bothered, harmed, or disturbed; placatingly (adverb) — in a gentle or soothing manner intended to make someone less angry; arduous (adjective) — involving strenuous effort; difficult and exhausting; spasmodically (adverb) — in sudden, brief, or jerky movements; courier (noun) — a messenger carrying important documents, packages, or messages; trouncing (noun) — a severe defeat or physical beating; forbiddingly (adverb) — in a stern, unwelcoming, or threatening manner; indispensable (adjective) — absolutely necessary; something you cannot do without; ravenous (adjective) — extremely hungry or greedy for food; fastidiousness (noun) — extreme care or pickiness regarding cleanliness, order, or standards; malingerer (noun) — someone who pretends to be sick or injured to get out of work or duty; retrogression (noun) — the act or process of returning to a lower, simpler, or worse state; callous (adjective) — hardened against feeling; insensitive or unfeeling toward pain; loathsome (adjective) — causing feelings of disgust, hatred, or intense dislike; nutriment (noun) — nourishment or food that sustains strength and health; acuteness (noun) — sharpness, keenness, or sensitivity of senses or mind; cadences (noun) — rhythmic flows or beats of sound, music, or voices.

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Chapter 3: The Dominant Primordial Beast

Before you read — think about:

1. Why do rivals in a group eventually have to confront each other?
2. How does a leader maintain control over a team or a pack?
3. What happens to a team when there is conflict between its top members?
4. Can an animal be calculating and plan an attack, or do they only act on instinct?
5. Is violence ever the only way to settle a dispute in nature?

Watch for these while reading:

• The escalating tension between Buck and Spitz.
• The sudden attack on the camp by starving huskies.
• The incident with Dolly and how Francois handles it.
• How Buck subtly undermines Spitz's authority with the other dogs.
• The final, deadly confrontation in the woods and how Buck wins.

Vocabulary to know:

trace (noun) — One of the two side straps or chains connecting a pulled sled to a harnessed dog.; quarter (noun) — Mercy or pity shown to a defeated opponent or enemy.; champion (noun) — The dominant, victorious leader of the pack who has defeated all rivals.; deliberateness (noun) — Careful, slow, and intentional behavior that avoids hasty mistakes.; precipitate (adjective) — Done suddenly or rashly without careful thought or planning.; divined (verb) — Discovered, understood, or figured out through intuition or subtle signs.; bleak (adjective) — Cold, miserable, dreary, and unwelcoming.; perpendicular (adjective) — Rising straight up at a sharp ninety-degree angle; steep or vertical.; loath (adjective) — Unwilling, reluctant, or disinclined to do something.; trespasser (noun) — Someone or something that enters another's territory or property without permission.; supremacy (noun) — The state of having supreme power, authority, or highest rank.; heralded (verb) — Signaled, announced, or indicated the arrival of something.; pandemonium (noun) — Wild and noisy disorder or confusion; complete chaos.; skulking (adjective) — Moving around stealthily, quietly, or nervously to avoid being noticed.; score (noun) — A group or set of twenty items or individuals.; gaunt (adjective) — Extremely thin and bony from hunger, suffering, or age.; capsized (verb) — Overturned or flipped upside down.; famished (adjective) — Extremely hungry or starving.; draggled (adjective) — Wet, dirty, and limp from being dragged through mud or water.; slavered (adjective) — Covered with drool or saliva.; onset (noun) — The beginning or initial attack of something violent or intense.; beset (verb) — Surrounded and attacked from all sides.; trice (noun) — A very short moment or instant.; adversary (noun) — An opponent, enemy, or competitor in a conflict or contest.; jugular (noun) — A major vein in the neck that carries blood from the head back to the heart.; goaded (verb) — Provoked, urged, or driven to take action or become angry.; plight (noun) — A dangerous, difficult, or unfortunate situation.; grievously (adverb) — Severely, terribly, or dangerously, causing deep pain or harm.; marauders (noun) — Raiders or bandits who roam around looking for loot or prey.; contemplation (noun) — Deep, quiet, and thoughtful observation or reflection.; exertion (noun) — Physical or mental effort put into an activity.; defied (verb) — Openly resisted, challenged, or refused to yield to something.; eddies (noun) — Circular currents of water, air, or snow moving against the main flow.; daunted (verb) — Intimidated, discouraged, or made fearful.; resolutely (adverb) — In a firm, determined, and unwavering manner.; skirted (verb) — Moved along the outer edge or border of an area.; singed (verb) — Slightly burned or scorched at the edges or surface.; hoisted (verb) — Raised, lifted, or pulled upward using ropes or strength.; conspicuous (adjective) — Easily seen, noticeable, or standing out clearly.; rejoinder (noun) — A sharp, quick, or clever reply to a statement.; preeminently (adverb) — Above all else; to a superior or distinguished degree.; bide (verb) — To wait patiently for a favorable opportunity.; incomprehensible (adjective) — Impossible or extremely difficult to understand.; shirked (verb) — Avoided or neglected a responsibility, duty, or work.; abjectly (adverb) — In a completely miserable, humble, or hopeless manner.; mutiny (noun) — Open rebellion against authority, especially by soldiers or sailors against commanders.; prostrate (adjective) — Lying stretched out face downward on the ground, helpless or submissive.; culprits (noun) — People or animals guilty of a crime, misdeed, or fault.; craftily (adverb) — In a sly, cunning, or deceitful way.; covert (adjective) — Secret, hidden, or disguised rather than open.; insubordination (noun) — Refusal to obey authority or orders; disobedience.; bickering (noun) — Petty, irritable arguing or squabbling over unimportant matters.; jangling (noun) — Harsh, discordant, or irritating sound and noise.; apprehension (noun) — Anxiety or fearful expectation that something bad will happen.; ordained (adjective) — Established, ordered, or decreed by authority or fate.; nocturnal (adjective) — Occurring, active, or done during the night.; eerie (adjective) — Strange, mysterious, and causing a feeling of fear or unease.; travail (noun) — Painful, laborious, or agonizing effort and struggle.; plaint (noun) — A mournful cry or expression of sorrow and grief.; recuperated (verb) — Recovered health, strength, or energy after illness or exhaustion..

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Chapter 4: Who Has Won to Mastership

Before you read — think about:

1. When a leader is removed, who should take their place?
2. How do you prove that you deserve to be in charge?
3. Can a team function properly without a clear leader?
4. Why do people (or animals) sometimes work harder for someone who demands respect than for someone who is just nice?
5. How much does your environment shape your personality?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Buck reacts when Francois tries to put another dog in the lead position.
• The way the rest of the team responds to Buck's leadership.
• The "dreams" Buck has by the fire about a hairy, primitive man.
• The change in owners that the dogs experience at the end of the chapter.
• The physical toll the heavy work begins to take on the dogs.

Vocabulary to know:

mastership (noun) — Complete dominance, control, or leadership over others.; Sunland (noun) — The warm, sunny southern region where Buck lived before being brought to the North.; dog-busters (noun) — People who tame, break, or train wild sled dogs.; mushers (noun) — Drivers or handlers of dog sled teams.; coveted (adjective) — Eagerly wished for or highly desired by many.; obdurate (adjective) — Stubbornly refusing to change one's mind or yield.; remotest (adjective) — Farthest away in distance, time, or relationship.; complied (verb) — Obeyed a command, wish, or rule.; forevalued (verb) — Estimated or appreciated the worth of something in advance.; undervalued (verb) — Failed to fully appreciate or rate highly enough.; excelled (verb) — Did extremely well or surpassed others in a skill.; unruly (adjective) — Disorderly, disruptive, and difficult to control.; solidarity (noun) — Unity or agreement among individuals with a common purpose.; celerity (noun) — Swiftness or speed of movement.; infrequent (adjective) — Not occurring often; rare.; deluged (verb) — Overwhelmed with a large amount of something, like a flood.; aspired (verb) — Directed one's hopes or ambitions toward achieving something.; riddled (verb) — Filled or pierced with many holes.; monotonous (adjective) — Dull, tedious, and repetitively uniform.; fivescore (noun) — A group of one hundred (five times twenty).; potent (adjective) — Having great power, influence, or effect.; lapsed (verb) — Faded away, slipped, or passed out of active use.; quickened (verb) — Became more active, animated, or fast.; resiliency (noun) — The ability to spring back or recover quickly from strain or hardship.; suppressedly (adverb) — Done in a quiet, held-back, or restrained manner.; friction (noun) — The resistance encountered when one surface moves against another.; unapproachable (adjective) — Distant, unfriendly, or difficult to talk to.; consultation (noun) — A meeting to discuss something or seek expert advice.; prodded (verb) — Poked or jabbed with a finger, stick, or instrument.; resented (verb) — Felt bitter, angry, or aggrieved about something.; floundered (verb) — Struggled awkwardly or clumsily to move through mud, snow, or water.; lugubriously (adverb) — In a mournful, sad, or gloomy manner.; remnant (noun) — A small remaining quantity or piece of something.; perplexed (adjective) — Completely baffled, confused, or puzzled.; involuntarily (adverb) — Done automatically or without conscious control.; convulsive (adjective) — Involving sudden, violent, uncontrollable jerks or spasms.; yearning (verb) — Feeling an intense longing or devotion toward someone or something.; retraced (verb) — Went back over a path or steps previously taken..

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Chapter 5: The Toil of Trace and Trail

Before you read — think about:

1. Have you ever seen someone try to do a job they were completely unprepared for? What happened?
2. Why is it dangerous to ignore advice from experienced people?
3. What is the difference between working hard and working smart?
4. How does physical exhaustion affect a person's (or animal's) willpower?
5. Why do some people refuse to admit they are wrong, even when it puts others in danger?

Watch for these while reading:

• The contrast between the dogs' new owners (Hal, Charles, and Mercedes) and their previous owners.
• The foolish mistakes the new owners make when packing the sled.
• How Mercedes's attitude toward the dogs changes as the journey gets harder.
• The condition of the ice as spring approaches.
• Who saves Buck at the end of the chapter and why.

Vocabulary to know:

wretched (adjective) — in a very unhappy, poor, or miserable condition; dwindled (verb) — gradually diminished or shrank in size, amount, or strength; feigned (verb) — faked or pretended to have a feeling, injury, or condition; fatigue (noun) — extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion; prolonged (adjective) — continuing for a long time or longer than usual; tottered (verb) — walked or moved unsteadily, as if about to fall; stopover (noun) — a brief break or stay in a journey; congested (adjective) — overcrowded or clogged with people, vehicles, or items; salient (adjective) — most noticeable, prominent, or important; callowness (noun) — inexperience, immaturity, or lack of adult wisdom; chaffering (noun) — bargaining or haggling over the price of something; slipshod (adjective) — careless, untidy, or poorly organized; slovenly (adjective) — messy, dirty, or lacking neatness and order; remonstrance (noun) — a forceful protest or expression of criticism; contraption (noun) — a machine or device that appears overly complicated or strange; gee-pole (noun) — a heavy pole attached to the side of a dog sled used by the driver to steer and balance the load; imploringly (adverb) — in a pleading manner, begging earnestly for help or mercy; repugnance (noun) — intense disgust or strong dislike; clannish (adjective) — inclined to stick together closely within a group while excluding outsiders; unwieldy (adjective) — difficult to carry or move because of size, shape, or weight; forged (verb) — moved forward steadily and stubbornly, especially through difficulty; thoroughfare (noun) — a main road or public highway open at both ends; overhauled (verb) — thoroughly examined, repaired, or reorganized; inexorable (adjective) — impossible to stop, prevent, or persuade; superfluous (adjective) — exceeding what is necessary, extra, or unneeded; averred (verb) — stated or declared to be true in a firm and confident manner; apparel (noun) — clothing or garments; zeal (noun) — great energy, enthusiasm, or eagerness in pursuit of a cause; formidable (adjective) — inspiring fear, awe, or respect through impressive size, strength, or power; mongrels (noun) — dogs of mixed or indeterminate breed; indeterminate (adjective) — not exactly known, established, or defined; bewildered (adjective) — completely puzzled, confused, or disoriented; forlorn (adjective) — pitifully sad, abandoned, or lonely; computation (noun) — the mathematical process of calculating or determining an amount; inevitable (adjective) — certain to happen and impossible to avoid; chronic (adjective) — persisting for a long time or constantly recurring; voracious (adjective) — having a huge appetite or eager desire for food; orthodox (adjective) — conforming to established, traditional, or accepted rules and beliefs; cajole (verb) — persuade someone to do something through flattery, gentle urging, or coaxing; sapped (verb) — gradually weakened, drained, or destroyed energy or strength; incompetence (noun) — inability to do something successfully or efficiently; grittily (adverb) — in a courageous, determined, and tough manner; amenities (noun) — desirable or useful features that provide comfort, convenience, or pleasure; glamour (noun) — an attractive, exciting, or romantic quality that makes someone or something seem special; irritability (noun) — a state of being easily annoyed, frustrated, or angered; inkling (noun) — a slight knowledge, hint, or vague notion about something; wrangled (verb) — engaged in a long, noisy, or angry argument; relevant (adjective) — closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand; copious (adjective) — abundant in supply or quantity; grievance (noun) — a cause for complaint or resentment based on a perceived wrong; chivalrously (adverb) — in a polite, respectful, and honorable manner, especially toward women; impeachment (noun) — a challenge or accusation regarding someone's character, validity, or conduct; prerogative (noun) — a special right or privilege belonging to a particular individual or class; importuned (verb) — harassed or begged someone persistently and urgently for something; recital (noun) — a detailed statement or account of a series of events; innutritious (adjective) — lacking nourishing value or useful dietary nutrients; perambulating (adjective) — walking or traveling about from place to place; insensible (adjective) — unconscious or unable to feel pain, sensation, or emotion; fraught (adjective) — filled or burdened with something undesirable, such as danger or difficulty; fissures (noun) — long, narrow cracks or openings in a rock, ground, or ice.

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Chapter 6: For the Love of a Man

Before you read — think about:

1. What does it mean to truly be devoted to someone?
2. Can an animal feel love in the same way a human does?
3. If you are used to fighting for everything you have, is it hard to accept kindness?
4. How can a pet or animal prove its loyalty to its owner?
5. Why might someone feel torn between two different places they belong?

Watch for these while reading:

• How John Thornton treats Buck differently from any other master.
• Buck's lingering fear that Thornton might disappear.
• The incident at the cliff when Thornton tests Buck.
• The bar fight where Buck defends Thornton.
• The massive bet Thornton makes about Buck's strength and how Buck responds.

Vocabulary to know:

waxed (verb) — Grew or became increasingly full of a certain quality.; ministrations (noun) — Acts of giving care, help, or tender attention to someone.; demonstrative (adjective) — Freely and openly showing affection or emotion.; manifested (verb) — Showed clearly; made visible or evident through actions.; enticed (verb) — Attracted or invited someone by offering something pleasant.; forbear (verb) — To hold back or refrain from doing something.; convalescence (noun) — A period of gradual recovery of health and strength after an illness or injury.; pompous (adjective) — Overly self-important, grand, or arrogant in manner.; adoration (noun) — Deep love, worship, or intense devotion.; expediency (noun) — Doing something because it is practical or convenient, rather than strictly fair or moral.; vibrant (adjective) — Full of energy, life, or strong emotional power.; reverently (adverb) — In a manner showing deep respect, awe, or devotion.; caress (noun) — A gentle and loving touch or stroke.; communion (noun) — A deep, intimate sharing of feelings, thoughts, or connection.; fleeting (adjective) — Lasting for only a brief moment; quick to pass away.; transient (adjective) — Staying for only a short time; temporary.; bespeak (verb) — To indicate, suggest, or serve as evidence of a quality or condition.; wiliness (noun) — Cunning, clever trickery, or slyness.; shrewdly (adverb) — In a sharp, clever, and practical manner.; forewent (verb) — Gave up or refrained from taking advantage of something.; mandate (noun) — An authoritative command, law, or binding rule.; peremptorily (adverb) — In a commanding, urgent, or forceful manner that expects immediate obedience.; obtained (verb) — Existed, prevailed, or was customary in a specific place or time.; proceeds (noun) — The money earned or profits collected from an event, sale, or business deal.; chasm (noun) — A deep fissure, gorge, or opening in the earth or rock face.; uncanny (adjective) — Strange, mysterious, or eerie in a way that seems beyond normal explanation.; hankering (noun) — A strong desire or craving for something.; malicious (adjective) — Intending to cause harm, pain, or distress to others.; provocation (noun) — An action or speech designed to deliberately make someone angry or provoke a reaction.; lining (verb) — Guiding or steering a boat through river rapids from the bank using ropes.; snubbing (verb) — Stopping or holding back a rope's motion by winding it around a post or tree trunk.; abreast (adverb) — Side by side and moving in the same direction.; submerged (adjective) — Covered with water or hidden beneath the surface of a liquid.; jutted (verb) — Stuck out or projected past the surrounding main edge.; extremity (noun) — A condition of intense danger, suffering, or desperate trouble.; propelled (verb) — Pushed, driven, or forced forward.; exploit (noun) — A bold, heroic, or remarkable achievement or deed.; gratifying (adjective) — Giving pleasure, satisfaction, or a sense of reward.; vaunt (noun) — A boastful remark, brag, or proud statement.; appalled (verb) — Horrified, shocked, or filled with dismay by something terrible.; plethoric (adjective) — Overly full, stuffed, or excessively abundant.; quibble (noun) — A petty objection or minor argument over a small detail.; contended (verb) — Argued, insisted, or maintained a point strongly in a debate.; jubilant (adjective) — Feeling or showing immense happiness, triumph, and celebration.; clamor (noun) — A loud, continuous, and confused noise or uproar.; contagion (noun) — The rapid spreading of an emotion, attitude, or excitement through a group.; virility (noun) — Physical strength, energy, and vigorous power.; repose (noun) — A state of restful calmness, peaceful dignity, or sleep.; dynasty (noun) — A powerful, long-standing line or succession of successful leaders or figures.; conjuration (noun) — A magic spell, ritual act, or solemn invocation.; maneuver (noun) — A strategic or skillful movement requiring planning and effort.; perceptibly (adverb) — In a way that can be seen, felt, or noticed clearly.; momentum (noun) — The forward speed and force gained by a moving object or process.; babel (noun) — A noisy, confused mixture of sounds or voices talking at once.; fervently (adverb) — With passionate, intense, and deep feeling..

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Chapter 7: The Sounding of the Call

Before you read — think about:

1. If you were completely financially free, what adventure would you go on?
2. How do you know when you truly belong somewhere?
3. Can you ever fully tame a wild animal, or will its nature always win out?
4. What is the difference between surviving in the wild and mastering it?
5. How does grief change a person's (or animal's) path in life?

Watch for these while reading:

• The journey John Thornton and his partners take into the unknown.
• Buck's encounters with the "timber wolf."
• How Buck hunts and tracks a large bull moose.
• The tragic event Buck discovers when he returns to camp.
• Buck's final transformation and his ultimate place in the world.

Vocabulary to know:

fabled (adjective) — famous in legends or stories; mythical; steeped (adjective) — soaked in or filled with a particular quality or atmosphere; shrouded (adjective) — covered, hidden, or wrapped in mystery or darkness; ramshackle (adjective) — badly built, falling apart, or loosely held together; clinching (verb) — settling or confirming something conclusively; testimony (noun) — a formal statement or proof offering evidence of a fact; looted (verb) — stolen from or raided during a time of chaos or absence; streamlet (noun) — a tiny stream or brook; riotously (adverb) — wildly, boisterously, or without any restraint; whipsawed (verb) — cut or sawed using a long two-person saw; uncharted (adjective) — not mapped, explored, or recorded; swarming (adjective) — moving around in large, crowded groups; melancholy (adjective) — sad, gloomy, or mournful; obliterated (adjective) — wiped out completely so that no trace remains; placer (noun) — a deposit of sand or gravel containing valuable mineral particles like gold; musing (verb) — thinking deeply or daydreaming silently; roved (verb) — wandered or scanned continuously over a broad area; vigilant (adjective) — keeping careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties; akin (adjective) — similar in character or quality; related; tangible (adjective) — able to be touched or felt; clear and real; impelled (verb) — driven, forced, or strongly urged to take action; aisles (noun) — passageways or long open paths between trees or rows; subdued (adjective) — quiet, soft, or restrained; recurrent (adjective) — occurring repeatedly or returning periodically; stalked (verb) — pursued or approached stealthily and quietly; commingled (verb) — blended or mixed together; overture (noun) — an opening move or offer intended to establish friendly relations; truce (noun) — a temporary pause or agreement to stop fighting; frenzy (noun) — a state of wild, uncontrolled excitement or activity; pivoting (verb) — turning or swiveling swiftly on a single central point; pertinacity (noun) — stubborn persistence and refusal to give up; coy (adjective) — making a pretense of shyness or modesty; belie (verb) — to give a false impression of; to contradict; lope (noun) — a long, easy, bounding stride or run; sombre (adjective) — dark, gloomy, or serious in tone; gorge (noun) — a narrow, steep-walled canyon or valley; watershed (noun) — a ridge or area of land separating waters flowing to different rivers; characterized (verb) — described or identified the special qualities of someone or something; spoil (noun) — goods, plunder, or prey taken by force or hunting; chaff (noun) — useless matter or husks easily blown away by the wind; carnivorous (adjective) — subsisting on a diet composed of meat; equilibrium (noun) — a state of perfect physical or emotional balance; sequential (adjective) — arranged in or following a logical step-by-step order; infinitesimal (adjective) — extremely small; immeasurably minute; simultaneous (adjective) — occurring or done at the exact same time; rampant (adjective) — flourishing or spreading wild and unchecked; asunder (adverb) — into separate parts or pieces; ecstasy (noun) — an overwhelming feeling of extreme joy or delight; transformation (noun) — a complete or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character; cat-footed (adjective) — moving softly, stealthily, and silently like a cat; ptarmigan (noun) — a northern grouse bird that changes color to white in winter; wary (adjective) — cautious and alert to potential danger; wantonness (noun) — careless, reckless behavior without thought or cause; quarry (noun) — an animal or target being hunted or pursued; palmated (adjective) — shaped like an open hand with spreading fingers; protruded (verb) — stuck out or extended beyond a main surface; paroxysms (noun) — sudden, violent outbursts or fits of action or emotion; simulated (adjective) — feigned, pretended, or artificial; ambuscade (noun) — a hidden position from which to launch a surprise attack; an ambush; retarding (verb) — delaying or slowing down the progress of something.

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About the Author

Jack London (1876-1916) was an American author, journalist, and social activist. He lived an adventurous life, spending time as a sailor, an oyster pirate, and a prospector in the Klondike Gold Rush. His own experiences in the frozen North inspired many of his most famous works, including "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang."

The novel is set during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, a time when thousands of prospectors rushed to the Yukon Territory in Canada hoping to strike it rich. Because the terrain was covered in snow and ice, strong sled dogs were in incredibly high demand to transport supplies and mail, leading to many large dogs being stolen from the United States.