The theme conveyed in the excerpt is that "strong leaders know how to hide their fear." This is illustrated through Spitz's behavior as he avoids confronting Joe's aggressive display and instead asserts dominance over Billee, who is more submissive and vulnerable. Spitz's decision to target the weaker Billee rather than face the formidable Joe reflects an understanding of the dynamics of power and fear in the wild.
Read this excerpt from The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Billee wagged his tail appeasingly, turned to run when he saw that appeasement was of no avail, and cried (still appeasingly) when Spitz's sharp teeth scored his flank. But no matter how Spitz circled, Joe whirled around on his heels to face him, mane bristling, ears laid back, lips writhing and snarling, jaws clipping together as fast as he could snap, and eyes diabolically gleaming—the incarnation of belligerent fear. So terrible was his appearance that Spitz was forced to forego disciplining him; but to cover his own discomfiture he turned upon the inoffensive and wailing Billee and drove him to the confines of the camp.
What theme does the excerpt convey?
Meekness is respected in the wild.
Good leaders admit their weaknesses.
Strong leaders know how to hide their fear.
Teamwork cannot be achieved through violence.
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