Buck completing the task stands for Buck’s love for Thornton. In the context of the story, Buck’s willingness and determination to pull the sled forward reflect the bond and loyalty he has developed towards John Thornton, who is shown to be kind and caring toward him, unlike previous masters. This act signifies not just physical effort but an emotional connection and dedication to someone he respects and cares for.
Read the excerpt from The Call of the Wild.
Thornton's command cracked out like a pistol-shot. Buck threw himself forward, tightening the traces with a jarring lunge. His whole body was gathered compactly together in the tremendous effort, the muscles writhing and knotting like live things under the silky fur. His great chest was low to the ground, his head forward and down, while his feet were flying like mad, the claws scarring the hard-packed snow in parallel grooves. The sled swayed and trembled, half-started forward. One of his feet slipped, and one man groaned aloud. Then the sled lurched ahead in what appeared a rapid succession of jerks, though it never really came to a dead stop again...half an inch . . . an inch . . . two inches . . . The jerks perceptibly diminished; as the sled gained momentum, he caught them up, till it was moving steadily along.
What does Buck completing the task stand for?
Buck’s love for Thornton
Buck’s resistance to change
Buck’s hatred toward Matthewson
Buck’s ability to do anything
1 answer
1 answer