One character from The Call of the Wild that I will focus on is Buck, the protagonist of the novel. Jack London brilliantly crafts Buck's characterization by including three key elements that make his character memorable and relatable.
Firstly, London establishes Buck's physical attributes to showcase his strength and adaptability. From the very beginning of the novel, Buck is portrayed as a powerful and muscular dog. London describes him as "a dog of the house of Francois," with "the size and weight of a full-grown wolf." This physical description conveys Buck's dominance and resilience. Additionally, as the story progresses and Buck is exposed to the harsh conditions of the Klondike, London further emphasizes his transformation. For example, London writes, "He was getting his muscles in tone and training for the unparalleled strain of trail life that awaited him." This demonstrates Buck's ability to adapt to his new surroundings and evolve into a robust and capable sled dog.
Secondly, London skillfully explores Buck's emotional and instinctual growth throughout the narrative. At the beginning of the story, Buck lives a comfortable life in California and is deeply attached to his human owners. However, when he is forcibly taken away from his genteel existence and thrust into the wilds of the Klondike, he undergoes a profound psychological shift. London writes, "He cried…for the loss of the gods he had known, the youth and the love of life just fled." This quote embodies Buck's sorrow and nostalgia for his previous life. As the cruel circumstances of his new reality force him to tap into his ancestral instincts, Buck undergoes a transformation from domesticated pet to wild animal. London captures Buck's emotional depth through his experiences and reactions, illustrating his gradual shedding of his human past and rediscovery of his primitive nature.
Finally, London establishes Buck's intelligence and adaptability as key traits that contribute to his evolution as a character. Buck possesses agility and cunning, allowing him to navigate the treacherous terrain, outsmart rivals, and eventually rise in ranks as a formidable lead sled dog. For example, when faced with the brutality of his masters, Buck learns to wait for the right moment to retaliate in the form of rebellion against the harsh treatment he endures. London writes, "Buck stood and looked on, the successful champion, the dominant primordial beast who had made his kill." This quote depicts Buck's strategic thinking and ability to seize opportunities for his own survival. London further emphasizes Buck's intelligence by showcasing his loyalty to those who treat him with kindness, reinforcing his ability to form deep connections despite his instincts.
In conclusion, Jack London brilliantly constructs Buck's character in The Call of the Wild through three key elements: physical attributes, emotional growth, and intelligence/adaptability. Through these elements, London creates a multi-dimensional protagonist that readers can empathize with and root for. Buck's transformation into a wild and fierce dog echoes the underlying theme of the novel, which explores the primal instincts and untamed spirit within all living beings.
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Choose one character from The Call of the Wild and explain how the author created him or her. Share at least three elements of characterization and give examples of each for your chosen character. Your response should address each part of the question. Use details from the book to support each description.
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