Read a list of ideas for a literary analysis of part 4 of The Call of the Wild.

Question

1. Buck works hard and insists that his sledmates do their fair share.
2. Dave, sick and weak, insists on being harnessed to pull the sled.
3. By the time they arrived at Skaguay, Buck and the other dogs were "on their last legs."

Caleb concludes his essay by writing, "In conclusion, pride is powerful." How can Caleb revise his conclusion to make it more clear?

Sometimes living beings are so filled with pride that we do things that are harmful or detrimental to our well-being.
Pride alone causes people and animals to do things that they otherwise would never do.
Even when conditions are dismal or less than ideal, pride is often a powerful force that guides the actions of living creatures.
Taking pride in a job well done is something that Buck is ruled by throughout the entire story.

Answer 1

Caleb can revise his conclusion to offer a more nuanced perspective on the role of pride in "The Call of the Wild," connecting the specific examples he discussed in his analysis to a broader understanding of the theme. Here’s a revised version of his conclusion:

"In conclusion, pride is a complex and powerful motivator that drives individuals to push their limits, often at great personal cost. Throughout 'The Call of the Wild,' Buck exemplifies this theme as he works tirelessly and demands equal effort from his sledmates, driven by a sense of responsibility and pride in his abilities. Similarly, Dave's insistence on being harnessed despite his illness highlights the fierce pride that can compel one to prioritize duty over well-being. Ultimately, the harsh journey to Skaguay serves as a testament to how pride can lead to both remarkable strength and tragic consequences. Thus, while pride can inspire greatness, it can equally obscure the rationality needed for self-preservation. In the wilderness, as in life, the balance between pride and survival is a delicate one."